Burroughs Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Murrells Inlet, SC
James "Neil" Lewis, Sr., 82, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Thursday May 23, 2024 at his home in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. He was born on December 4, 1941 in Princeton, West Virginia to the late Braxton Edwin Lewis, Sr. & Ruth Francisco Lewis. Along with his parents, Neil has been reunited in passing with his daughter, Elizabeth Francisco Lewis and his brother, Braxton "Speedy" Edwin Lewis, Jr.
Neil was raised in Dillon, South Carolina, where he helped his mother dismantle old houses and recycle the materials to build new rentals to supplement his mother's teaching income. Even as a young boy his entrepreneurial skills were evident as he and his friend sold boiled peanuts at the tobacco sales barns where he later became a young tobacco grader.
He attended Clemson University before proudly serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Upon his honorable discharge and return to South Carolina, Neil ran his own pest control business, and later worked for UPS while attending Francis Marion University, where he was a member of the first graduating class.
He considered his life's greatest accomplishment his three loving children and a great source of his happiness. A few of his life accolades include being the father of those three wonderful children, starting and running "Pawley's One Stop Shop" for more than 25 years, building the house he lived in for many years in Hagley Estates, live-trapping hogs and the subsequent barbecues, raising hunting dogs, fishing in many deep-sea fishing tournaments on his boat "Neil's Baby", skinning a gator, and never meeting a stranger.
He was known for his deep love of all things sports, most especially his beloved Clemson Tigers! Neil had a competitive spirit, was very generous, and had unconditional love for his family and friends. His passion for nature and the water in particular was apparent in his love for fishing whether trolling the deep sea for king mackerel and Mahi, hand paddling a canoe in fresh water for bream and bass; pulling in big rooster fish in Costa Rica, catching shrimp using a hand seine with his family; flounder gigging; jockeying jon boats and catching minnows in the creek.
Also, his love for people was undeniable with his gregarious spirit. When he owned and operated Pawley's One Stop Shop, you knew you were loved typically by his jovial laugh after making fun of you or while beating you at billiards or a "friendly" card game. The biscuits and fried chicken there were so legendary people still talk about it! Great stories are still being shared in certain circles about him and his store to this very day! Neil always had a broad smile and infectious laugh that would make you smile and naturally enjoy his company.
After closing Pawley's One Stop Shop, Neil divided his time living in Costa Rica and Pawleys Island prior to meeting the love of his life and planting roots again in Murrells Inlet with his wife Dianne Parker Lewis. For much of Neil's life, he considered the outdoors his church and his peace. In the free time of his later years, Neil watched his beloved Clemson Tigers of course, was a member of Salt Life Bible Study, and enjoyed tending his azaleas and camellias. He looked forward to every Wednesday when he joined his buddies for lunch at the Litchfield Diner locals table. He adored his kitties and enjoyed making memories with family, neighbors and friends. He touched many people in his lifetime and will be deeply missed.
Left to cherish Neil's memory are his adoring wife, Dianne Parker Lewis of Murrells Inlet, SC; daughter, Kathryn Marie Lewis Koven of Cornville, AZ; son, James "Jay" Neil Lewis, Jr. of San Diego, CA; step-daughter, April Pearce of Whitesburg, GA; grandchildren, Noelle "Elle" Jimenez and Pearce "Buddy Boy" Thurman; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins; a large, loving extended family and many supportive friends and neighbors.
A Celebration of Neil's life will be held on Sunday June 2, 2024 at 2 pm at Burroughs Funeral Home in Murrells Inlet SC.
At the request of the family, please consider memorial contributions in lieu of flowers. Donations in Neil's name may be made to All 4 Paws at, https://all4pawssc.org/donate/ or to the Grand Strand Humane Society, https://www.grandstrandhumanesociety.com/how-you-can-help/donate/
To view this obituary online or to offer words of comfort through the online guest book, kindly visit the funeral home website at, www.burroughsfh.com
LINKS
The Post and Courier serving Georgetown
https://www.postandcourier.com/georgetown/obituaries
The Sun News
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com
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