A portrait of Roy "Pop" Lewis, patriarch of The Lewis Family performing group, sits next to his casket at his funeral Thursday. Valerie Rowell/stafff

Family mourns loss of legend

Family and friends filled a small Lincoln County church Thursday to say goodbye to Roy "Pop" Lewis, patriarch of The Lewis Family musical group.

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Mr. Lewis, who is internationally known as a legend in both bluegrass and gospel music, had been in Wills Memorial Hospital in Washington, Ga., for three weeks before his death Tuesday.

He was 98 years old.

The Hephzibah Baptist Church sanctuary was filled with roses in honor of Mr. Lewis' favorite song, Just One Rose Will Do, which he played at every performance, the Rev. Steve Snider said at the service.

"Someone always brought a rose, and he always played (the song)," the Rev. Snider said.

The Lewis Family was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1992 and received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2001.

Mr. Lewis, a bluegrass gospel pioneer, was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2000.

"Fame never affected his humility," said Dr. Edward McCurry, a longtime family friend. "I don't think Pop knew he was famous."

The Rev. Snider and Dr. McCurry shared stories of Mr. Lewis' sharp wit, his hard-working and family-oriented personality and his unique connection with audiences across the country throughout his more than 50 years of performing.

The Lewis Family's TV show, taped in the WJBF studios, was one of the longest-running gospel music programs, broadcast weekly for 38 years from 1954 until 1992.

Visitors and family smiled as they watched video of Mr. Lewis on the show and at other performances. His signature song was played just before his rose-covered casket was removed.

Reach Valerie Rowell at (706) 868-1222, ext. 110, or ccchron@augustachronicle.com.

--From the Friday, March 26, 2004 printed edition of the Augusta Chronicle