In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: First Calvary Capital Campaign 2026.
Reverend Dr. Samuel K. Lewis
(March 7, 1956 - April 29, 2026)
Viewing Location: Leevy's Funeral Home, 1831 Taylor Street, Columbia, South Carolina
Viewing Date & Time: Friday, May 8, 2026 from 2;00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the funeral home/ 5:00 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Chapel
Funeral Location: First Calvary Baptist Church, 1401 Pine Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29204
Funeral Date & Time: Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Interment Location:
Our deepest sympathy to Bob, Pam and the entire family. You all are in our prayers and thoughts, May God bless and keep you all in his love and care.
The family have our condolences and prayers. We will miss his spirit.
Rev. and Mrs. Samuel Latta, III and Family
Extending Heartfelt 💔 Sympathy And Deepest 🙏🏾 Condolences 😢 To Rev. Dr. Samuel K. Lewis Family 💔 And All Other Families 💔 Affected By His Passing 😔 I Also, Pray 🙏🏾 God 🙏🏾 Will Continue Comforting 😔 And Blessing 🙏🏾 You In This Time 🙏🏾 Of Bereavement 😢 R.I.P.eace🪽 Rev. Dr. Samuel K. Lewis R.I.H.eaven🪽
We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Debbie and the Lewis Family. Rev. Lewis has truly been a blessing to me and my family. May God bless and keep you all during this difficult time.
To Arbra and the entire Lewis family, I send my sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy for the loss of Rev. Dr. Samuel K. Lewis.
My prayer is that each of you will allow God’s sovereign hands to hold, strengthen and sustain you during your time of sorrow.
You are in our prayers.
Angela West-Barnett and family
Condolences to the family
I will truly miss our run ins at the state fair.
I remember the things he always did for me and my family, we laughed, shared good times, even when he preaches he left an impression on me that made me a better person, both mentally and spiritually. Rest in peace, Rev.
May God wrap his arms of mercy around you and your family. Rest in peace 🙏 Rev Dr Lewis.
Deepest condolences to the Lewis family. Lifting up prayers of comfort and strength during this time.
Rachel Mack -Atlanta GA
Sending my deepest condolences to The Lewis Family I can remember Stump Lewis, playing football 1973 for Booker T.Washington, High School walking around like he was a Jock. Stump was quiet. That was long ago..Take your rest🙏🙏
“When I can read my title clear to mansions in the skies, I’ll bid farewell to every fear and wipe my weeping eyes”.
I offer my sincere condolences to my former pastor, Rev Lewis Family and his beloved wife First Lady, Arbra (Debbie) Jefferson Lewis may the Lord bless and comfort the family.
Rev Lewis loved First Calvary Baptist Church, and the Waverly Community may his humble divine legacy live forever.
Our condolences to the family Shirley and Rosa
We send our love and prays for the strength of the family.
Florida Family
Sincere love and prayers to the Lewis family.Remember ,God has his arms around each of you.
On behalf of the Craft family, we offer our sincere condolences to the Lewis family for your loss. Rev. Lewis was a faithful servant of God and his compassion and genuine kindness will always be remembered. We share in your sorrow and pray God grants strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time.
We send our deepest condolences to the Lewis Family. Dr. Lewis was a great man of God who will be remembered for his love and kindness always.
Condolences to the family of Rev. Lewis , who shared the love of the Lord to all who knew him. ☦️
Sending our deepest sympathy and condolences and prayers to the family.
My deepest sympathy to the beloved family 💔 RIHP Pastor Lewis 🙏🙏
My Condolences to the Lewis family Jerry DavisJerry d Davis 1234
Reverend Dr. Samuel Lewis was my pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Seneca years ago. Our sincerest condolences to the Lewis family from The Gaines family from Seneca and The Hill family from here in Columbia.
Rest easy, Rev. Dr. Lewis.
Rest now my beloved Shepherd . You have fought the good fight, you have won the race, it is now time for you to bask in the light of your Heavenly Father. I honor your legacy dear Pastor. May the Lord watch between me and thee until we meet again in GOD’s home on high in the name of Jesus I pray: Amen
We are heartbroken by the passing of Rev. Lewis. He walked quietly in the world, but he was a giant in our lives…and a beacon of light that the world so desperately needed. He is loved and will indeed be missed. Our prayers go out to his family and all those who knew and loved him.
We saw your strength and courage over the years. Rest in Gods loving arms.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rev. Dr. Lewis. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
We pray that God will surround your family with His comfort, strength, and peace in the days ahead. May the love, prayers, and support of those around you bring encouragement and hope.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
My condolences and prayers to the family and friends. May God comfort and strengthen you during this time 🙏🏼 ❤️
Sending my prayers and condolences to the Lewis family. May you all find peace and comfort at this time. Mr. Lewis was a sweet gentle man and I know you all are going to miss him. Rest in Peace
My condolences to you and your family, Mrs. Lewis. Praying God’s comfort and peace for your entire family.
My condolence to the Lewis family, just knowing you gave me strength in the Lord
Our thoughts, prayers and
WHAT SHE DOESN’T DO WAS SHE’S STRONG IN THE AI the baby split her little bikini things.The bikini thingsþff ft ft CT ml n
Rev, I miss you already. I was n the hospital also trying to reach out 2 you. I called you several times. I will remember Rev how loving and kind you always was to Curtis and all my family. No more pain Rev, no more pain. To God be the Glory to the Lewis Family as my family will keep you in God’s comforting hands ✋️. Love always the Curtis and Constance Washington family.
Dr. Lewis and I go back to our years at Benedict College in the early to mid 70’s. He and I and our families have remain friends over the years — preaching for one another, traveling together and spending the night in each other’s homes. He is a friend and beloved brother in Christ. He loves the Lord, loves his family, loves his church and community. He continued to served faithfully even as his health declined. You fought a good fight; you kept the faith, and I know it is well with your soul as you rest from your labor in the presence of our Savior. May the Lord grant His perfect peace to your wife, Debbie, your children and family. In Christ’s name. We love you all.
To the Lewis Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your loved one. Samuel was my classmate, and I will always remember him with kindness and respect. May God strengthen and comfort your family during this difficult time and give you peace in the days ahead.
Keeping you all in my prayers.
Sending condolences to your family.
My Condolences and Deepest Sympathy to Lewis Family in the passing of the Late Reverend Dr. Samuel Lewis with God’s continued Blessings and Prayers. My he Rest in Peace. 🙏
Our heartfelt condolences to the family. We will continue to Pray for God to strengthen you in this time of grief.
My deepest condolences to the Jefferson and Lewis families, may God give you strength and peace during this difficult time
My Condolences to the family abd friends.
I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the Lewis family on the passing of Pastor Lewis. He was a true servant of God. My prayers are with the family.
My deepest condolences to the family of Rev. Lewis. I’m in disbelief, really sad and at a loss. Thank you for being such a Great Pastor. You are deeply missed.
Rest in Heavenly Peace,
Bouknight and Green Family
Sincere condolences are extended to the family, friends and church family of my fellow Washingtonian Rev Samuel K. Lewis . He was a true, humble servant of God. May God grant you the comfort , strength and peace needed as you mourn his passing but celebrate the life he lived and the lives he touched through his ministry. Lifting you in prayer.🙏
Lewis family,
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Reverend Lewis. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. He was a true blessing to so many- his wisdom, kindness, and faith touched countless lives, including ours.
May God surround you with comfort, strength, and peace in the days ahead. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
-Sussewell family
With deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the Lewis Family on the passing of Reverend Dr. Samuel K. Lewis… remember that “earth has know sorrow that heaven cannot heal.” Pastor Ronald/Valerie McFadden and the Bethany AME Church Family Jonesville SC
May all the families who lost a love one have peace and happiness forever with Gods grace and mercy. Rest in Power thou faithful servant!
Our condolences go to Barbara and family on Sam’s passing. He was a good man.
To The Lewis Family.
So sorry to hear about your loved one’s death.
May God be with you and your family during this very difficult time. Prayers that you find peace.
DEEPEST CONDOLENCES, LOVE AND BLESSINGS 🙏🏾❤️
Sending my most sincere condolences to Mrs. Lewis, Eukenya, and Dzama, and all of the Lewis family. We lost a great man, but heaven gained a wonderful servant of God. Peace be your journey, Rev. Lewis. I take consolation in knowing I will see you again. Godspeed.
My sincere condolences to Arbra and the entire Lewis family. I am so sorry to hear about the loss our dear pastor, Rev.Samuel Lewis. Rev. Lewis and Arbra were very dedicated to the work at First Calvary. You could see the love and joy in both of their hearts through their ministry.We will always love the Lewis family. We will continue to keep the Lewis family lifted up in prayers. May Rev. Lewis rest in peacc.
Lovingly,
Mrs. Angela J.Clark & Family
My sincere sympathy and condolences to Sister Arba, the entire Lewis family, and First Calvary Church Family in the transition of your loved one, Rev. Dr. Samuel Lewis, a mighty man of God, and a gentle giant at the same time.
We are praying for all of you during this most difficult period of bereavement. Just remember, he is free from pain, sorrow and disappointment, There are no more seas for him, and he is in the arms of his Holly Father, resting. Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty,
he is free at last!
Reverend Lewis was family. We didn’t see each other often but, like family, whenever we were together the time apart never mattered. His faith strengthened others. His love was real and tangible. I know we will see him again but he will be missed until that great day. Rest well for you have completed your purpose!
With love and compassion, you have my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one. He was such a special person to our family. Praying for God’s comfort for you and your family.
The family have our condolences and sympathy.
Rev. and Mrs. Samuel Latta, III
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lewis family in their time of mourning.
Prayers to the Lewis Family.
Sadden to hear of the passing of Rev. Lewis. Our deepest condolences to the Lewis family and First Calvary Baptist Church family. All of you are in our prayers. Phillips, Dickson-Scott family.
My heart is so very heavy. Reverend Samuel Kelby Lewis was amongst the best of men. From age 13.5 to almost 52 and with 28 years living out of state, Rev. Lewis always checked in on me and my family and provided an occasional family and church update. What he was never short of was a good word or a funny joke. I looked forward to our texts and conversations. He loved his family and parishioners tremendously.🙏🏾🫂💜 May he rest in honor; in pain no more!! AMEN
The Lord understands the depth of your sorrow. Scripture tells us He is close to those who call Him. May you feel His nearness today. May His comfort provide you with renewed strength.
To the Lewis family. You have our deepest condolences on the passing of a great man of God. Pas. David Evett from Seneca, SC sends his love and prayers. Rest from all of your labor, for your work down here is done.
My whole heart aches for my dear Sister/ Mentor, Arbra Lewis, for this profound loss. Sincere condolences and prayers for strength and peace during this difficult time.
Rev. Lewis was such a pillar of quiet strength and courage during some difficult days. Much love and many prayers for my dear friend, Arbra and prayers for their children and grandchildren and Church family.
May God show himself strong today and in days ahead.
God made him for ministry. Rev. Lewis was the nicest person ever that truly loved the Lord, his family and people. May God bless his family, church and friends.
Dr. Lewis was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was a kind gentle giant who inspired many as Chaplain. May the Presence of Jesus Christ overshadow you with His grace and strength during your time of grief.
Debbie and family,
so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved husband, Rev. Dr. Samuel K. Lewis.
my sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Rev. Lewis. May God surround his family and church family with comfort, peace and strength today and in the days ahead. Yvonne Myrick-Crum
Our sincere condolences to the Lewis family. We have known Rev. Lewis since our days as students at Benedict College. He was one who always made efforts to present himself a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God and that he was a man of good report and filed with the Holy Spirit. He will be deeply missed this family and others. We pray, encourage and remind the Lewis family “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning”. Continue keep you trust in God.
I can’t believe it. I just found out. My heart goes out to the family of Rev. Dr. Samuel K. Lewis. I was a former member of First Calvary Baptist Church and resided over my mother’s burial. I appreciate Rev. Lewis so much for the opportunities he afforded me as a member of First Calvary, and I believe he enriched my life by helping me grow closer to God. May God cover the family in this time of grief.
My condolences to the Lewis family on the passing of Rev. Dr. Samuel K Lewis. Rev. Lewis was a great man of God who truly loved the Lord and his people. He was very instrumental in me pursuing ministry. I will always be grateful for the times we shared. I will keep the family in my prayers.
To the Lewis family during this time, please know that Rev. Dr. Samuel K Lewis was a integral factor in my life from the beginning. I so fondly remember your family as they begin their ministry at First Calvary as I was the care giver for the late Rev. Dr. Maxie Gordon, Sr (Pastor Emeritus)up until the moment he was called to be with our Savior. Your family was and always will hold a special place in my heart. He counseled before marriage, married us, nurtured and always asked about our two children, called to check on me in times of need or not, and was just so intentional through his divine calling. My mother was a part of this blessing to know a gentle spirit as a member of his flock at Calvary. The Lewis family will always hold some of the best memories for my family as we grew and continue grow. May you rest in the arms of the Lord knowing you have done more than a job well done. I will continue uplift the Lewis family, friends and congregation in prayer in the days coming. God bless.
The memories of my brother begins in our early ministry years. He was in Oconee County and I was in Anderson County.
We were young and excited about God. Our families shared meals regularly. We supported each other in our ministry endeavors.
He was an exceptional person with exceptional pastoral leadership. It is with sadness we say goodby.
Arbra and family, Mimi and Robin, my prayer is that God continue to strengthen and keep each of you!
Our sincere condolences to the Lewis Family. May God’s love for the family give you all peace and comfort during this time of sadness.
With a sincere heart, I lift up the Lewis family and the entire First Calvary family in prayer. Pastor Lewis was a significant part of my journey in ministry, and God used that season to grow and shape me in ways that continue to bear fruit today.
I am grateful for his presence in my life and for how he stood with my family and others especially during a time of loss. I am deeply sorry for his passing, and I know he will be greatly missed. However, there is no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
Kathy and I will continue to pray for God’s comfort and peace to the family.
My sincere condolences to the Lewis Family; you will remain in my prayers.
My condolences to the Lewis family. Pastor Lewis was a great man of God who will surely be missed. He was helpful to many families along his life’s journey. To Lewis family, hold to God’s unchanging hand. Blessings
So sorry to hear! Rev. Lewis was a very nice man and he loved our children. Keeping Sister Arbra and children (and church) in our prayers.
Sending my Deepest Condolences to the entire families may God continue to comfort you all in this Difficult time 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
The James, Sewell, and Hannah families wish to express their heartfelt condolences to you and your loved ones in this incredibly challenging time. Pastor Lewis was a truly compassionate soul whose kindness and wisdom made a profound impact on so many lives. His unwavering dedication to his faith, family, and congregation will leave a lasting void in our hearts. We will all greatly miss his gentle spirit and the warmth he brought to our community.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Lewis family.
My heart is saddened to her of the lost of my friend Rev.Dr
Samuel Lewis. My prayers go out to you Abra and the rest of the family. Nobody could say my name like him Lindaa
Our deepest condolences and prayers to the family.
To my Dear Friend Arbra, her children and other family members. We would like to extend our Sincere Condolences and Love to you all. The Jenkins, Golston and Allen Families… Phyllis J. Allen
With heavy yet grateful hearts, we lift up the life and legacy of Reverend Samuel K. Lewis—a true servant of God, a faithful shepherd, and a guiding light to the Hailey family. His life was a living testimony of God’s grace, love, and unwavering faith. Though he has been called home to glory, his spirit and the seeds he planted in our lives will continue to flourish.
To Arbra and the entire family, we extend our deepest prayers and heartfelt condolences. May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, comfort you and keep you during this season of sorrow. Reverend Lewis was more than a pastor—he was a spiritual mentor, and a constant source of strength and encouragement to our family.
We thank God for the blessing of his life, his wisdom, and his enduring love. He will be truly missed, but never forgotten.
With love, prayers, and abiding faith,Alvin, Michael, Gregory, and Eileen Cannon Hailey
My condolences to Arbra and the Lewis Family. Met and worked with “Chaplain Lewis” when I first began working at Central Correctional Institution (SCDC). He was a true BTW alumni and true man of God. I had the pleasant of going from co-worker to friend to Abra and him. I will truly miss not bumping into you in the Kroger area. It did matter how long we had not seen each other, we just picked up where we left off. I know that you are with God and at peace. So, take your rest my dear friend.
My deepest condolences to the family of Rev. Samuel Lewis.
In this time of sorrow, please know that you are being lifted in thought and prayer. Rev. Lewis lived a life of purpose, faith, and service, and his impact will continue to be felt in the lives of all who were blessed to know him. His legacy of love, wisdom, and devotion to God and community will never be forgotten.
May you find comfort in the memories you shared, strength in one another, and peace in knowing that his work here on earth was meaningful and complete.
With heartfelt sympathy and love.
AN HUMBLE SERVANT OF GOD HAS GONE HOME TO BE WITH THE LORD. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT, SENSITIVITY, KINDNESS AND LOVE SHOWN TO US. YOU’VE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT AND FINISHED THE COURSE.EACH SUNDAY AFTER BENEDICTION YOU EXITED THE AISLES BY SHAKING HANDS WITH PARISHIONERS. REACH OUT NOW AND ETERNALLY GRASP THE HAND OF GOD. WELL DONE
REV. DR. SAMUEL K. LEWIS.
My sincere prayers and condolences to Lady Arbra and the Lewis Family. May God provide you with strength and peace during this difficult time.
Jessie Chandler
Rev. Lewis compassion, kindness and love of others will always be remembered. Prayers and condolences to First Lady Arbra Lewis, his family and First Calvary church. Rest well, servant of God. Otis and (Rev) Cynthia Walters
Love and prayers to the Lewis Family. Love you all. He has truly fought a good fight. Rest well my friend. You have finished your course.
To the family of Rev. Doctor Samuel K. Lewis, please accept my heartfelt and deepest condolences for the loss of such a kindhearted man and a mighty tornado of BTW high school. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Rev. Lewis will certainly be missed by all who knew him. His work on earth is now done and I am sure God is pleased. Rev. Lewis, rest in Heavenly peace.
Well Done…Good and Faithful Servant::: You will Truly be missed…To the Lewis Family,,,I will keep you in my prayers…
My sincere condolences to the Lewis family. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.🙏🙏🙏
Arbra, we are deeply sorry for your loss of your dear husband, Reverend Dr. Lewis. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are praying that God comforts and strengthens you during your time of sorrow. Peace and Blessings
CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT BEREAVE IN THIS TIME OF SORROW AND MAY GOD’S ANGELS COMFORT YOU THROUGH YOUR DAYS AND NIGHTS ❤️✝️ MY BIG BROTHER YOU TAUGHT ME TO HAVE THOUGH SKIN WHEN DEALING WITH MINISTRY AND TO MASTER LOVE OVER ALL, WHILE DEVELOPING LASTING RELATIONSHIPS FOR MANKIND FOR THE BEST 👌 👍 HOPING TO SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE ONE DAY SO I CAN HERE YOU SAY “JESUS”
I will truly miss Stump. My prayers are with the family. BTW class of 1974 will always remember the way we were. ❤️
Ophelia, Johnnye, and family, may God’s peace and comfort be with you as you mourn the loss of your cousin, Reverend Dr. Lewis. I pray you find strength in His presence and in the cherished memories you hold.
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your cousin. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you during this difficult time.
Prayers are being lifted for you and your family.
God’s blessings rest upon Lady Debbie and the Lewis family. I have known Rev. Lewis since childhood. He was always warmo, friendly and encouraging!
Reverend Lewis,
You were always so kind and loving to me as a child in our church, and you guided me faithfully throughout my Christian journey. I remember the time you served as our marriage counselor before Elliott and I were married, sharing such powerful and meaningful words about staying together, standing strong, and never letting anything come between us. Even from a young age, you poured wisdom into us that helped shape how we would navigate life.
Your impact reached far beyond just me—you also inspired my husband in a profound way. Through God, you played a role in leading him to be baptized before our first child was born, and that is something we will always carry with us.
Alongside William Cannon, my mama Erica McClain, and Rev. Lewis, you have all been such meaningful pillars in my life and faith journey. You are loved by so many and have been a constant presence in our lives for as long as I can remember.
Rest easy knowing that you were a phenomenal pastor, husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and so much more. Your legacy lives on in all of us as we continue striving to be the best we can be through Jesus Christ.
His lord said unto him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.’Matthew 25:23 Amen.
May the Family gain peace in knowing that while their Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, and Friend may have finished his earthly journey, God has welcomed him into Heaven to be among the chosen ones. We too cherish also this servant of God for his work at First Calvary. Thanks for sharing him with us.
Rev. Dr. Samuel K. Lewis was a true servant of the most high God. I first met him when he pastoral Ebenezer Baptist Church in my hometown of Seneca. He and his wife also served faithfully during my tenure as President of the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of SC. Thoughts and prayers are with the family from Rev. and Mrs. James Blassingame, Sumter,SC. REST WELL MY FRIEND!🙏
Praying for the family