Mr. J. Lewis Brown

It is with deep sorrow that the Brown family announces the death of Mr. J. Lewis Brown, 69. Mr. Brown entered into rest on Thursday, February 13, 2025. The Directors of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home & Crematory are caring for the family. A funeral service to honor his life will be held at 11 o'clock on Monday, February 17, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, Hartsville, South Carolina, with The Rev. Jimmy Beck, The Rev. Ashley Cheek, and The Honorable Jay Lucas officiating. The family will receive friends in the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. A private family burial will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to the Darlington County Humane Society. Mr. Lewis Brown was born on Monday, January 30, 1956, in Hartsville, South Carolina. He is the son of the late Lessie Beck Brown and the late Johnny Bobo Brown. Lewis attended Darlington County public schools and was a graduate of Hartsville High School. While attending Hartsville High, his love for the Red Fox Regime was unparalleled. While accepting many awards for athletics, his most proud accomplishment was his selection to play in the Shrine Bowl. Following High School, he attended Wofford College and was a graduate of Francis Marion University, having received athletic scholarships at both schools to play football and baseball (his first love). Lewis was married to Kathy Redfearn Brown for forty-five years and together, they have three daughters, Lindsey (Matt) Akman, Taylor Brown, and Claire (Keith) Mitchell. Lewis worked with Sonoco Products Company for over thirty years and also served Darlington County for thirteen years. He was elected to Darlington County Council, serving two terms from January 3, 1989, to December 13, 1991, and again from January 3, 2017, to February 1, 2021. Serving as Vice Chairman during both terms. He was then reelected for a third term, opting, however, to accept the position of Economic Development Director for Darlington County on February 2, 2021. During this last role, Lewis was instrumental in fostering relationships between industry & educational partners, establishing the ASCEND program, affording every 8th grader the opportunity to establish relationships for future employment in our area. Lewis was the driving force behind securing $30 Million Dollars for the establishment/expansion of a Hartsville, South Carolina based Technical Education Campus. Further creating several opportunities for new businesses to join Darlington County and promote new job creation. During his professional career, Lewis served as President of the Hartsville Rotary Club and served on numerous South Carolina Department of Natural Resources committees promoting and enhancing the Bobwhite quail. Lewis was a founding member of the Hartsville Outdoor Club, promoting the support and development of wildlife-friendly farming practices and healthy ecosystems for wildlife. Lewis was a Founder of the South Carolina Junior Girls Golf Association and was Tournament Director for the South Carolina Junior Golf Association tournament for 23 years. He also coached girls' softball and was President of the Dixie Youth Girls Softball League for several years. He enjoyed hunting with his lifelong mentor & friend, Ronnie Amerson, as well as fishing, golfing, and closely following his girls, and participating in all the meaningful experiences of their lives. He received the Order of the Palmetto, as did his father, for distinctive service to South Carolina, Darlington County, and Hartsville. Having the treasured honor of being the only father and son combination to receive the Order in South Carolina and by the same sitting Governor, The Honorable Henry Dargan McMaster. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Redfearn Brown; daughters, Lindsey (Matt) Akman, Taylor Brown, and Claire (Keith) Mitchell; grandson, Austin Jay Akman; sisters, Suzanne B. Galloway; nephews Andrew (Aly) Galloway, the Late Lee Galloway and Vicki B. (Jay) Hudson; nephews, Joseph (Mindy) Hudson, Luke ( Becky) Hudson, and niece Emily (Mac) Johnson.

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Mr. J. Lewis Brown

January 30, 1956 - February 13, 2025