Samuel Hewlett

News Obituary Article

ATLANTA: Samuel Hewlett, home builder

By DERRICK HENRY

Samuel Dunbar Hewlett III knew better than most that life could take unpredictable turns.

The Atlanta native wanted to be a lawyer, in the tradition of his grandfather, former Georgia Supreme Court Justice Samuel Dunbar Hewlett Sr., and his father, Samuel Dunbar Hewlett Jr.

But after graduating from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1977 and practicing labor law in Atlanta for about five years, Mr. Hewlett found that "he just didn't like it," said Brian Henry of Buckhead, a former UGA roommate. "He wanted to be in the outdoors."

A friend, Phillip Allgood, persuaded Mr. Hewlett to join him in home building. After a few years, Mr. Hewlett launched his own company, Hewlett Homes, in the mid-1980s. He built, developed and brokered custom houses.

Focusing on the Buckhead and Vinings areas, he built homes as large as 8,000 square feet, ranging in price from $700,000 to $2 million. They tended to be Colonial Georgian in style and had as many as eight bedrooms.

The Metro Atlanta Home Builders Association honored Mr. Hewlett for best million-dollar home in 1993 and 1994.

Mr. Hewlett, 53, died Thursday of brain cancer at his Atlanta home. The body was cremated. A memorial service was held Saturday. National Cremation Society is in charge of arrangements

Mr. Hewlett was known by a series of nicknames, said Mr. Henry, including "Columbo," "for the detective coat he wore all winter," and "Smiling Jack," for "always having a big old grin."

About nine years ago, Mr. Hewlett faced a downturn in his business along with a series of health problems. He grappled with depression and re-examined his life.

"Sam began to look at life a little differently, setting his priorities on faith and family and being a little more lighthearted," said another former college roommate, Wright Barn of Boynton Beach, Fla.

Mr. Hewlett organized getaway weekends every other year for three of his college buddies and their wives. "The four couples went on a sailing excursion to Annapolis and mountain weekends at Dillard and Highlands," Mr. Barn said. "We'd tell the same stories, but they got a little better every year with embellishments."

In the fall of 2004, Mr. Hewlett began experiencing dizzy spells and blurred vision. He was diagnosed at the Mayo Clinic with inoperable brain cancer.

Soon after the diagnosis, a friend, Lou Dillard of Columbus, started a Web site, www.cindyandsamhew lett.com, to allow friends to communicate. It has received more than 47,000 hits.

"It was unbelievable," Mr. Henry said. "The family was just overwhelmed by the love and affection shown in Sam's direction."

Survivors include his wife, Cindy Hewlett; a son, Will Hewlett of Atlanta; a daughter, Emmy Hewlett of Atlanta; and his mother, Mary Sue Hewlett of Vinings.

Family photo

Samuel Hewlett III was twice honored by his peers for best million-dollar home.

© 2005 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution