Lewis Devlin
Age - 79
December 5, 2023
"I fought the good fight; I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. " - 2 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV)Rev. Lewis Emerson Devlin peacefully passed away on November 26, 2023, surrounded by his beloved family, and he now rests in Glory. He was the eldest son of the late Louis and Annie Devlin in Abbeville, SC. He is preceded in death by his two sisters, Maggie Hicks and Sarah Mae (Thomas) Land, and his two brothers, George Devlin and Morris Devlin. He is survived by three adoring sisters: Diane (Michael) Fruster, Ellen (Bradford) Blake, Helen (Larry) Cannon, and one devoted brother: Trenton (Patty) Devlin. He was cherished by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Rev. Devlin, affectionately known as "June," spent most of his early childhood in Greenwood and McCormick counties in South Carolina. His family subsequently relocated to Pickens, SC, where he distinguished himself as both a star football player and a bus driver at Clearview High School. He successfully graduated in 1963 and, in that very same year, made the pivotal decision to enlist in the US Army with the aim of exploring the world and forging a brighter future for himself. While in the military, he married his beloved wife, Mary Devlin, and celebrated 59 years of marriage in 1964. Together, they raised three lovely daughters: Barbara (Suzette) Campbell, Angela Devlin of Winston-Salem, NC, and Carolyn Towner, who resides in Arlington, VA. Their family grew to include three grandchildren: Idris Devlin, Desiree Devlin, and Allen Devlin, as well as three great-grandchildren: Darrien, Nasifah, and Michael. Rev. Devlin and his family traveled extensively while he served in the military. He was stationed in Korea and later fought in the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he and his family traveled abroad and lived in Germany for three years. While there, they visited many European countries, such as France, Holland, Luxembourg, Belgium, and his oldest daughter even took a class trip to the Berlin Wall. These experiences were unforgettable, immersing them in diverse cultures and fostering acquaintances from around the world. After returning from Germany, Rev. Devlin set his sights on a career in social work and went to San Antonio, TX, to begin his educational pursuits. This led him to renowned institutions such as Baylor University and San Francisco State, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Columbia College. Later, he attended Shaw University Divinity School. His professional path took him to Letterman Army Hospital in San Francisco, CA, as a Social Worker. This included working with dialysis patients. He never imagined he would one day be a dialysis patient himself. While Rev. Devlin and Mary cherished their time in San Francisco, they eventually missed their families in NC and SC. In 1977, an opportunity arose in Winston-Salem, NC, where he accepted an Army Recruiting position. His final military assignment took him to Birmingham, AL, while his family remained in Winston-Salem. He retired in 1983 after twenty years of dedicated service as a Master Sergeant E-8, receiving numerous medals, awards, plaques, and the prestigious Bronze Star of Valor. After retiring at the age of thirty-nine, Rev. Devlin became a highly successful businessman, showcasing exceptional leadership, intelligence, and a strong work ethic. His achievements included serving as the Regional Vice-President of United Family Life Insurance Company and holding a leadership role at BMA Insurance, where he earned membership in the prestigious "Million Dollar Roundtable" for surpassing $1 million in insurance policy sales. Additionally, he owned the thriving Devlin Shell gas station in East Winston and excelled as a top car salesman at both Budget Car Sales and Park Chevrolet. In his dedicated service to the Lord, Rev. Devlin displayed unwavering commitment through various roles within several churches. He served as an Associate Minister at New Institutional Baptist Church, Freedom Baptist Church, and United Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church. At Shiloh Baptist Church, he took on multiple important roles, including Deacon, member of the Trustee Board, Sunday School Teacher, Chairman of the Personnel Committee, and President of the Laymen's League. Additionally, he was an active member of the High Point Educational and Missionary Baptist Association, Inc. , and held an esteemed position within the Minister's Conference of Winston-Salem. On December 15, 2001, Rev. Devlin accepted the divine calling to pastor the congregation at United Progressive Baptist Church. His passion for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as well as his genuine care for his flock, remained unwavering. He had a special place in his heart for youth, the elderly, and helping the homeless. Following his retirement from pastoral duties, he and Mary joined Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, where Pastor Konnie G. Robinson serves as Pastor, his neighbor and one of his dearest friends. We extend special acknowledgement to his four sisters-in-law: Patricia Brewer, JoAnne Whitted (deceased), Rosalyn Graham, Rosalyn Graham, and a cousin, Dalcyrus Simmons. Rev. Devlin was not only a distinguished military soldier but also a mighty soldier in the army of the Lord. Despite health challenges, he remained strong and resilient, never complaining about his struggles. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to his excellent medical team from Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital and Dialysis Center, Kernersville VA Clinic, and special thanks to Dr. Schull, who was his Primary Care Doctor for over 40 years. The life of Rev. Devlin is one to be celebrated. His infectious sense of humor brought joy to all those around him. An outgoing and fun-loving spirit, he was always the life of the party, and some believe he missed his calling as a comedian. He possessed a natural gift for connecting with others. His love for family and friends was immeasurable. Everything he did was centered around those he loved and cherished. He enjoyed watching football, going out to eat, spending time talking with friends and family, hosting Super Bowl parties, cookouts, birthday celebrations, and more. Known for his contagious smile that lit up any room, he never met a stranger. He left a profoundly positive impact on countless lives, both in the community and during his many travels. He will be eternally missed by all, especially his family, friends, and community. Rest in peace until we meet again. We will always love you and cherish your beautiful memory. Funeral services will be conducted 1pm Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 at Union Chapel Baptist Church with family visitation preceding at 12:15pm. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Rev. Lewis Emerson Devlin, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.Show more
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