For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. Psalm 84: 10 – 12
Mr. Lewis Grant, Jr. was born in Hampton, South Carolina on September 22, 1961. He was called from labor to reward on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Beaufort, South Carolina. At an early age, Lewis professed Christ and became a member of Antioch Christian Church, Varnville, South Carolina, serving as a church usher.
Lewis was an extraordinary man with many talents and skills. He was the epitome of “A Man of Many Trades” and amazingly, he mastered quite a few of them!
Lewis Grant Jr. attended and was a graduate of Wade Hampton High School, Varnville, South Carolina with his beloved Class Of 1979. After graduation, he embarked on his new adventure at NEWBERRY COLLEGE where he (on an Athletic Scholarship) played baseball. In the words of his Coach Randy Vaughn, “Lewis loved the game of baseball. He was a team player; he encouraged his teammates and was very supportive. He cared about others and believed in fairness, no matter the situation. He had a strong disposition in making sure people did the right thing”. Lewis was an accomplished athlete and an excellent outfielder. Coach Vaughn recalled an occasion when Lewis made the final out to give Wade Hampton the conference championship. The smile on his face as his teammates mobbed him that day was memorable.
Lewis matriculated from Newberry College in 1983. He returned to Hampton County to begin his career with the Hampton County Department of Social Services. In 1993, he went to work with South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice until he retired in 2021.
As previously mentioned, this Man of many talents worked as a certified South Carolina Sports Official, serving various schools in the areas as well as youth and adult league sports. His God given mission of youth mentorship allowed him the opportunity to touch the lives of many young people. During his work with SC DJJ, he spearheaded several projects to include coaching for the Inter-county Basketball Tournament as well as the JEEP program. He also served as a Behavioral Interventionist with Wright Directions and other similar agencies. Up until a month ago, he continued to keep in contact with some of the youth he mentored. Other honorable mentions include: the annual tailgate for Wade Hampton High School Class of 1979 alumni, community events with other governmental agencies, and his lodge brothers – Antioch Masonic Lodge #91.
Lewis was preceded in death by his father Lewis (Angie) Grant, Sr. and stepfather Woodrow Priester; his maternal and paternal grandparents, Eddie (Cora Lee) Haynes and Joe (Pearl) Breeland; and one stepbrother, Kurrentheis Boles.
He leaves to cherish fond memories to his mother, Ethel Priester (Varnville, SC), one son, Xsante Jones (Hiram, GA), one daughter, Angie (Jamal) Early (Varnville, SC), one stepsister, Julia McNair (Varnville, SC), one stepbrother, Jamel Priester (Varnville, SC), the love of his life, Shantell Miller (Hyattsville, MD); two grandchildren; three aunts, Nerva Edwards (Varnville, SC), Virgie Joyner (Hampton, SC), Dora Lingard (Varnville, SC); two uncles, Norris Grant (Varnville, SC), Marshall (Nell) Grant (Varnville, SC); a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; one devoted niece Sharice (Travers) Jackson (Savannah, GA); one special cousin, Mack Joyner (Beaufort, SC); one special friend Joe Cooler (Varnville, SC) and his Beloved Class of 1979; a host of relatives, friends and coworkers.
Lewis Grant, Jr. was a class act. He touched so many lives and was beloved by so many. He will be missed dearly. His smile, charming whit, giving heart and knowledge of almost everything – The Guru is what he was called. A job well done, Coach Grant!
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4: 7-8
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