Mr. Larry "Sapphire" Lewis, 76, of 681 Lewis Road, Hartwell, died Sunday, October 9, 2011 at his home.

Born on November 20, 1934, in Hartwell, GA, he was the son of the late Hubert W. Lewis and Sallie Dooley Lewis.He retired from Owens-Corning Fiberglass where he worked as a pipe fitter for 37 years.He was also a member of Sardis Baptist Church where he served as a former Deacon and RA Leader, a former church basketball coach, was a member of the Raymond Wilson Sunday School Class, and served on various church committees.Mr. Lewis also ran the "Grand Ole Chicken House", was a farmer, and was a US Army Veteran.

Survivors include his wife: Betty Curry Lewis of the home; one son: Craig Lewis and his wife, Daysa, of Hartwell; one daughter: Carla Bannister and her husband, Randy, of Hartwell; two sisters: Mary Lambert of Waycross, and Dorothy Mauldin of Lavonia; four grandchildren: Elizabeth Teasley, Lewis Banister, Katherine Lewis, and Landon Bannister; and four great grandchildren: Skyler Teasley, Chloe Teasley, Dawson Teasley, and Bristol Teasley.Mr. Lewis was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers: Tom Lewis and Joe Lewis.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. John Silver and Rev. Chris Pritchett officiating.Burial will follow in the Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery.

The body is at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell where the family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Wednesday prior to the service.The family is at the home.Floral arrangements are optional and memorials may be made to the Sardis Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 4359 Anderson Hwy, Hartwell, GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.On-line condolences can be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.