Warren Julius Lesane Sr.

Ruling Elder Warren Lesane Sr., was a lifelong member of Goodwill Presbyterian Church, Mayesville, SC. He was the third child in the second marriage of Johnson and Alice Williams Lesane. Warren was the name sake of a longtime Pastor of Goodwill Presbyterian Church; the Rev. Dr. Warren J. Nelson, Sr. Relatives and close friends knew him as Pack. Warren transitioned peacefully at his home on Christmas day with family present after having been under hospice care. Quoting from a publication that he authored in 2008 for his eightieth birthday celebration, Warren said, “I became an instant father figure at the age of 24 for 10 siblings when Papa died in 1952. I left Bettis Junior College to help Papa on the farm. I raised my younger brothers and sisters until they completed high school or pursued other careers. Farming was the joy of my life. It was rough, but we made an honest living. You had to work hard for what you earned. It was a way of life.” Elder Lesane was raised in a Christian home where he was taught moral values, the value of hard work, responsibility, respect, and the importance of God and prayer. He was taught that he could achieve anything in life. These teachings enabled him to show love to all people and a willingness to help anybody without respect of person. At the age of 12, he accepted Christ and joined Goodwill Presbyterian Church. It was there he discovered a joy for singing first by joining the youth choir and then advancing to the adult choir at the age of 16. Sunday school was a priority and he did not want to miss a single Sunday. He served the church in the following capacities: President of Men’s Council, Treasurer of the Building Fund Committee, Male Chorus Member, Ruling Elder, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, and member of the Adult Choir. Outside of the church, Warren was a member of the Golden Gate Lodge 78 Masonic Order, Eastern Community Center, and the Sumter County Black Farmers Co-opt. Daddy was a workaholic. He was employed during his work career by several companies which included: BL Montague, Campbell Soup Company, Georgia Pacific, Morris College Security and Security Management. In addition, he was a lifelong farmer. Planting, tilling, and harvesting brought him the greatest joy. Farming flowed through his veins. It afforded him the opportunity to become a successful entrepreneur. He took pride in acknowledging that he was the planter, but it was God who provided the growth and harvest. In retirement, his specialty crops were collards, cabbage, turnips, okra and field peas. Fresh veggies were plentiful enough to serve the entire community. His love and impact upon his family was profound. He was married to the late Inez Davis Lesane for 50 years, who proceeded him in death in 2003. He leaves to cherish his memory six children: Della L. Hammond (Steven) Charlotte NC, Gearlene L. Washington Raleigh NC, Rev. Dr. Byron R. Lesane (Ivyl) Daytona Beach FL, Janice L. Katambwa Belleville IL, Warren Lesane, Jr. Richmond VA, and Warrenell L. Spindle (Linwood) Richmond VA, four grandchildren: Phillip and Steven Hammond, Berne’ Washington, and Linwood Spindle, Jr, four great grands: Nathaniel, Linwood III, Crystal, and Naomi Spindle, five sisters: Maggie Farrow, Katie Monroe, Lillie Robinson, Mary Jones and Esther Hubbard, four Brothers: Adam Lesane, Junious Lesane, Carl Lesane and Benjamin Lesane and a host of other relative and friends.

Warren Julius Lesane Sr.

July 6, 1928 - December 25, 2016