Ray Lewis

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