L. H. Lewis

 On the morning of January 31, 2023, at the age of 91, Lillious Hershel (LH) Lewis Jr. joined many loved ones in heaven.

LH was born to Bertha and LH Lewis Sr. in Athens, Ga on March 18, 1931.  LH graduated from Athens High School in 1948. On June 23, 1951, he married his young sweetheart, Eleanor Imogene Conley (his Jeanie Bell). LH joined the army and served in the Korean war. When he returned home, he joined the Clarke County Fire Department. Later in his firefighting career, he was promoted to the position of Home Safety Inspector.

In his young adult years, LH enjoyed playing in a softball league. He also enjoyed fishing. LH and Jean taught their girls the joy of camping. The family progressed from tent camping to a family home on Clarke Hill Lake on the Elbert Game and Fish Club property. LH and Jean enjoyed their membership in the club and served as officers for many years. They were the unofficial safety marshals. He was known for making sure that the kids behaved on the road and she faithfully made sure that safety rules were followed at the pool. LH taught many of the girls’ friends how to water ski. He would smile as he drove his small boat and offered words of encouragement as needed.

LH loved the Georgia Bulldogs. His front porch was often covered with red and black streamers in support of his Dawgs. One of his most cherished possessions was a ceramic Bulldog. While viewing the game on tv, LH often moved the dog to various positions in the room to change the luck of the Dawgs. After a win, he often took a car load over to the UGA campus to ring the victory bell.

LH had a kind and tender heart. He truly lived the golden rule. During his last months while struggling with health issues, the Elberton Memorial hospital rehab staff, the supportive staff at St. Gabriel’s assisted Living and the Compassionate Care Hospice staff often told him what a good patient he was and how they loved him. On most days, he was ready with a smile and a “Thank you for all you do for me.” LH’s daughters are thankful to the many people who helped in his care.

LH was a loving family man and a dear friend to many and will be missed by all.

LH is survived by his daughters, Cathy Brooks (Lee), Teresa Moore (Kenny}, and Carol Finger (Ray). He was known as Paw Paw and dearly loved by the following grands, Teri Tankersley (Russell), Jan Fleming (Allen), Robin Purcell (Shane), Kanada McGill (Bryan), Kaleb Moore, Lindsie Finger, Tyler Finger (Mallory), and all 18 (and prayerfully still growing in number) of their children and grands.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 12:00 PM at the chapel of Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until service time. Interment will be at Athens Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Johnson Drive Baptist Church “Building Fund”, 145 Johnson Drive, Athens, GA 30605.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com

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