Reverend Furman Brown Lewis went to his heavenly home on December 24, 2019. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him throughout his life. He was known for ministering to others in word and deed, and for his quick dry wit.
Rev. Lewis was born in Hartwell, GA to parents, Fred W. Lewis and Mary Brown Lewis. He was a graduate of Mercer University in 1953 and received his Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY, in 1957.
Rev. Lewis and his wife, Jeanette Martin Lewis, were blessed in marriage for 65 years and were long-time residents of Clarkesville, Ga.
Rev. Lewis grew up in Hartwell, GA where he was led to serve in full-time ministry. He was ordained into the ministry in 1950 at Hartwell Baptist Church. Old Canon Baptist Church was his first pastorate, while still a student. He then served full time as pastor at First Baptist Church of Duluth was called to Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville, GA for 12 years, followed by Lavonia First Baptist Church. He then became the Director of Missions in Northeast Georgia for seventeen years, serving with the Georgia Baptist Convention. Throughout retirement, it was his honor to serve as interim pastor for many churches throughout Northeast Georgia. His life was committed to serving the local church, supporting other pastors, and unashamedly preaching the gospel, fulfilling his call to full-time ministry.
Rev. Lewis was preceded in death by his daughter, Laura Lewis Owens. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Martin Lewis; daughter and son-in-law, Susan Lewis Ellis and David Ellis (Venice, FL); daughter and son-in-law, Martha Lewis Reabold and Tony Reabold (Fair Play, SC). Grandchildren, Sarah Anne Owens, Lila, and Ansley Ellis, Geoffrey and Emma Reabold and Greg and Lauren Reabold; Great Grandson, Jackson Reabold; Sister, Sue L. Williams, and many nieces and nephews.
He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that because of his salvation in Jesus Christ, he is whole and at peace with his Creator. The family gratefully treasures your prayers, condolences, and memories. Those who wish to remember Rev. Lewis may make a donation to his choice of Mission Dignity, a mission to provide dignity to retired Southern Baptist ministers, workers, and their widows, at Mission Dignity, Guidestone Financial Resources SBC, 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 2200, Dallas, TX 75244-6152, or to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering which supports foreign missions worldwide, at IMB, 3806 Monument Ave. , Richmond, VA 23230.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 28, at 1:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Clarkesville, GA. The family will receive friends at Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, GA on Friday, December 27, from 4:00 pm until 6:00 p.m.
“His Master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’” Matthew 25:21
An online guest registry is available at www.hillsidememorialchapel.com
Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, 5495 Highway 197 South, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523 (706) 754-6256.
