Harold Raymond McLewin
July 29, 1919 ~ April 13, 2013
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Harold Raymond McLewin
Asheville – Reverend Harold Raymond McLewin, 93, of Asheville, died Saturday, April 13, 2013 at Givens Health Center.
A native of Portland, Maine, he was a son of the late Harold James and Helen McLewin.
Raymond was a veteran of the US Navy during WW II. In 1949 Raymond and his wife, Christine, sailed out of New York by steam boat to establish churches among Asian Indians in Natal. He explored sugar fields in remote hills and valleys looking for Indian settlements on indentured lands.
As a statesman, he fought to improve the educational system for people living under the curse of apartheid in South Africa. He worked tirelessly to help people find better jobs with better pay.
As a missionary, he brought many into the Kingdom of God and helped the Indian pastors launch an indigenous church.
He struggled with stammering all of his life, yet God called him to preach. When he arrived in Africa, God began to release his tongue. Thirty years later on returning home in 1979, he became the Pastor of the Asheville Bible Church. Pastor Mac's sermons were broadcast into seven states via radio.
As a longtime resident of the Givens community, he touched the lives of many.
Raymond is survived by his wife of nearly 69 years, Christine Marshall McLewin; one daughter, Joyce Ann Phillips and her husband, James, of Barcelona, Spain; one son, Dr. Peter Marshall McLewin and his wife, Margaret, of Norfolk, VA; two brothers, Robert McLewin of San Diego, CA and Philip McLewin of Mahwah, NJ as well as five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at the Western Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery Chapel with Pastor Pat Leahy officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family graciously asks that you consider making a contribution in Raymond's memory to either the Asheville Bible Church Missions Program, 234 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC or to the Givens Resident Assistance Ministry, 100 Wesley Drive, Asheville, NC 28803.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
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Raymond lived an inspiring life and it was an honor to know him.
Love and prayers,
Margaret
My deepest prayers, love and sympathy go out to the family of this mighty servant of GOD. He has finished the race and is receiving his crown of glory. Face to face with our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. May the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD comfort each family member during this time of loss and strengthen family bonds. Blessings, Brother Gary
Mrs. Raymond H. McLewin & Family
Just wanted to send you all this short note to let you all know that you all are always in my thoughts & in my prayers every day & especially at this time. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL ALWAYS & KEEP YOU ALL IN HIS LOVING CARE. I also wanted to let you all know that I will not be able to attend the funeral this coming Wednesday ( 4-17-2013 ), but I wanted to let you all know that I will be thinking about you all on Wednesday ( 4-17-2013 ).
LOVE IN CHRIST, JEAN SHEAROUSE
Very sorry for your lost. Will keep you in our prayer. God bless your family.
We have been friends with Joyce for over 40 years, and therefore have come to know and love her parents. Both have always been gracious and kind to everyone, and especially to each other. Such wonderful role models for us. All our love to each one of the family in this very sad time, but especially to Joyce, my old roommate and our forever friend. Love, Dianne and Jim
Joyce, thinking of you and your family. Our prayer for you all is for Abba Father to flood you with His peace that passes understanding and for His children to comfort you with love and encouragement. Jodee and Dan
Joyce- Warmest sympathies to you and all your family at this time of loss of such a wonderful man. Praise and celebration that he has reached his eternal home. Sincerely, Chris
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am the oldest son of Don McLewin, Sr., one of Rays brothers. I,ve only had the pleasure of meeting Ray a few times. For sure, he was a wonderful and honorable person. My sympathies go out to Christine, Joyce, and Peter as well as his other family members. Always remember to good times.
Donald McLewin, Jr.
To: Sister Christine, Peter and Joyce Ann. My deepest sympathies to you.Dad was a great servant of God and now God has called His servant home. He has run his race well and has finished well. Our prayers are with you during this time of loss and sorrow. Pastor Mclewin had touched the lives of so many people here in South Africa. He is resting from his labours and his works do follow him. May you experience Gods peace that passes all human understanding. With much love and comfort, Pastor Leon and all at Shiloh Church – Port Shepstone, South Africa.
Dear Christine and family,
I just wanted to tell you that we enjoyed getting to know you both so very much when Dr. Becker was your dentist. Rev. McLewin was so kind and we know he is in heaven with His Lord and Savior and also Dr. Becker! Praise the Lord.
Dear ones.
I was so sadden to learn of ‘my’ Pastor Mac’s passing. He was a true friend to many that knew him. Just think of how many were standing at the shore to greet him . He will be missed. My prayers are with all of you.
My sympathies to you, Joyce, and your family. How delightful it would have been to have had a conversation with your father. You must tell us more about him. Truely, your desire to live in another country must have taken root with such interesting beginnings. Much love, Jan Atwood
Dear Joyce and Family,
I pray God will comfort you with His love and grace.
Love, Chi Chi