Ray Lewis Obituary
Ray Howard Lewis, 90, of Hartwell, passed away Monday, January 26, 2026 at AnMed Medical Center, Anderson SC.
Born on November 1, 1935 in Hartwell GA, Ray was Hart County native, who grew up on what is now Old 29, helping his father and mother run a country store and the family farm. He was in the car business for a number of years, manager of Kidd Motors, and a salesman for Tri County Chevrolet. Ray also owed his own used car dealership, RH Lewis Used Cars.
Ray served his community and was a member of several civic organizations, various boards and committees, including the Hart Co. Jaycees, where was a former State Director, the Heart Fund Chairman, former Hart Co. Chamber of Commerce President, Hart Co. Hospital Board, Masons and Yaarab Shrine, serving on the Parade Scooter committee. He served on the three-man Hart Co. Board of Finance, as chairman. The Board of Finance preceded our current County Commission.
Ray has resided as a resident of Brookdale for 18 years and was known as the “Mayor” of Brookdale. He retained a good memory of Hartwell and Hart County until his death and was a fount of knowledge about the history of Hart County. He was a faithful member of Oak Bower Baptist Church, where was a Deacon, Trustee, and served and chaired several committees over the years.
He is the last in his immediate family being pre-deceased by his father Jake B. Lewis, his mother Mattie Adams Lewis, his sister Marion Grace Lewis, and his brother James Alton “Pete” Lewis. He is survived by extended family and many good friends.
The family will receive friends Friday, January 30, 2026 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell.
Funeral services for Mr. Ray Lewis will be Friday, January 30 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. Randy Perry officiating. Burial will be in the Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery.
Flowers are optional, and memorials may be made to the Oak Bower Baptist Church, 1589 Old 29 Hwy, Hartwell, GA 30643 or Shriners Hospital for Children, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394.
The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
305 Cleveland Avenue, Hartwell, GA 30643
People and places connected with Ray
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Ray Lewis
Make a Donation
in Ray Lewis's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Ray's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Ray Lewis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
