Mr. Sidney Lewis Christian

Msgt (Ret) Sidney ”Chris” Lewis Christian, 81, husband of the late Ruby Johnson Christian, died Wednesday May 28, 2014 at the Tuomey Healthcare System in Sumter, SC. Born in Charleston, West Virginia, he was a son of the late William and Ellen Bibby Christian, Sr. Sidney was educated in the public schools of Charleston County, West Virginia. He was a graduate of Garnet High School, Class of 1953 and attended West Virginia State College. He first enlisted in the United States Army, where he served a tour of duty in Bordeaux France. He later joined the United States Air Force where he worked as a jet engine technician, an aircraft maintenance instructor and was a First Sergeant. Throughout his career, he was awarded numerous military citations. After more than twenty four years of service to his country, he and his family retired in the Sumter community. He then became employed with Exide Battery Company of Sumter, and retired after many years. In the community, he was a lifetime member of the Ballard-Palmer-Bates American Legion Post #202. He also managed Good Times, Bluff Road and Valley View Skating Rinks and was employed as a realtor with Porter Realty of Sumter. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Nolan Christian; a brother, John Christian and a grandson Jonathan B. (Christian) Coles. Surviving are two daughters, Sylvia Christian-James, Sumter, SC and Cheryl Anne Christian, Rembert SC; a son, Norman Lewis Christian, Sumter SC ;seven grandchildren, Jade, Erin, Shaun, Shane, Nigel, Lindsay and Kimberly; 4 great-grandchildren, Quevaun, Shaheim, Janai and Jordyn; a brother, William (Dorothy) Christian, Gaithersburg, Maryland, two sisters–in –law, Beatrice Walker and Brenda Howard; three brothers-in-law, Clarence , Jack and Thomas Johnson; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held 6:30 pm Saturday evening , June 7, 2014 at Palmer Memorial Chapel, 1200 Fontaine Place, Columbia, SC. The public may view Friday from 3:00- 8:00pm at the Palmer Memorial Chapel Sumter, 304 South Main St. A visitation with the family will be Saturday at Palmer Memorial Chapel Columbia from 5:30pm until the hour of service and at other times at the Christian’s residence 985 Dover Circle.

Mr. Sidney Lewis Christian

December 10, 1932 - May 28, 2014