Mr. Lewis Irvin "L.I." Williams passed away on December 3, 2023 at the age of 98 ½. Irvin was born on June 3, 1925 in the Russell Creek Hollow area of Huntington, West Virginia to the late Amanda and Denver Williams. He resided with his late siblings, Austin, Nora, Bob, Vivian and Louie until he entered the US Navy at the age of 17.

Irvin served on the aircraft carrier San Jacinto in the South Pacific during World War II. He was always proud to declare that this particular ship holds the distinction of having the longest uninterrupted active wartime service. After his service with the US Navy, he returned back home and furthered his education at Marshall University in Huntington, WV where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Accounting.

Irvin married Betty Fay Lyons on June 30, 1947, in Huntington, WV. They were married for 64 years before Betty passed away in 2011. Together they had two children, Annette Williams Martin (Roger "Butch") of Marshville, NC and son, Drew Williams (Cathy) of Dallas, TX. Irvin and Betty was blessed with three grandchildren, Glenn Martin (Dana), Benjamin Williams (Jessica) and Shannon Williams; two great grandchildren, Abbey Martin Biggs (Kyle), Neil Williams and Nora Williams and great great grandson, Jackson Biggs.

L.I. was employed as an Accountant for Virginia Welding in Charleston, West Virginia for approximately twenty-two years. Throughout his life, Irvin was involved in several aspects of ministry, which included student Bible study groups held in his home as well as ministry abroad. In 1982, L.I. joined the staff of the organization Biblical Education by Extension (BEE) in Vienna, Austria, Romania and Moscow, Russia (the purpose and mission of BEE was to provide quality seminary-type training for pastors of underground churches in Soviet Union satellite countries). The Lord greatly blessed this ministry, enabling the churches to thrive even throughout tumultuous political ties. Upon returning to the United States in 2002, Irvin and Betty settled in Pageland, SC where they attended Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. Irvin was a faithful husband and father. He now rejoices in the presence of his Lord.

The family wishes to give special thanks to the staff of Springhill Assisted Living. He was truly loved and given the utmost care and attention. They always went out of their way and above and beyond to make sure he felt more like family than a patient.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to Springhill Assisted Living, 514 South Gum Street, Pageland, SC 29728.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Friday, December 8, 2023 at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Mt. Moriah Church Road, Marshville, NC 28103 in the sanctuary.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 12:00PM on Friday, December 8, 2023 at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church with Pastor Mel Winstead officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Baumgartner Funeral Home (www.baumgartnerfh.com) of Pageland, SC.