Robert "RL" Lee Hewett

heavenly home.

Born Robert Lee Hewett on March 20, 1933 in Durham, North Carolina to

Robert Lee Sr. and Bertie Hewett, Robert Lee Jr. was always known as R. L., who lived his life

as a testimony of faith in Jesus Christ and unconditional love for family and friends,R.L was in his element when meeting and greeting people. He never met a stranger or spoke harshly of others, being a model of Hebrews 13:2, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, thereby some have entertained angels unaware.” An example of this was in 1952 while serving in the army and stationed in Fort Stewart, Georgia. R.L. met a hitchhiker named Martin. The young, well-groomed stranger approached R.L., offering to share gas expenses if he would take him to Atlanta, Georgia. Without hesitation, R.L. drove his new friend to his destination, getting to know each other while sharing stories of their youth experiences along the way. Fast forward ten years later. R.L. would see Martin again while watching national television. Little did the then young, army private of years ago realize the stranger he entertained more than a decade ago would be a Nobel Peace Prize recipient who empowered people and peace marches in our nation. Martin Luther King Jr.

R. L. loved his country and served it well while working as a naval civil servant for two years in the early 1950’s, assigned to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Then after, he joined the Army for a two year tour.

In 1961, R. L. saw his future bride, Nancy Varnam as she was speaking at her high school commencement ceremony. R. L. declared then and there he was going to meet and marry the young redhead. That determination and love became a reality as he made her his wife for 62 years.

Soon after marriage, R.L. and Nancy made Sharon Methodist Church their home, serving beside each other in various roles: singing in the choir, youth ministry directors, Sunday School teachers, committee members, officer roles, etc. Sharon Church has been a loving family of support and encouragement for R. L. and Nancy for over sixty years. The love and appreciation they have for everyone there can never be diminished.

R. L. was a perfectionist, always thirsting for knowledge and looking for ways to expand the gifts God had given him. His gifted hands gave him the ability play the guitar, entertaining people and praising God for many years in many venues. R.L. Hewett’s Body Shop at Silver Hill was the “go to” place for over 40 years, not only for his professional vehicle repairs, but it was also a friendly space for lively conversation and a lot of laughs. After retirement in 2003, R.L.’s hands built a “get away” home for he and his wife, which would later become their permanent residence. Enjoying the land around them, R.L. brought out his gardening tools and got his hands in the soil to have a master garden for many to enjoy.

Family members in heaven who preceded R.L. are his parents, Robert Lee Hewett Sr. and Bertie Hewett Turner, a brother, Vernon Hewett, and his sister Margaret Salley.

Left to treasure the memories of R.L.’s life are his loving wife of 62 years, Nancy Varnam Hewett, a daughter Kathy Hewett Worrell, granddaughter Elizabeth Hodges (Jason), grandchildren Buddy, Jack and Lily Grace, and a brother Mitchell Turner (Patsy), several nieces and nephews, and other family members and treasured friends.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday October 28, 2025 at two o’clock in the afternoon at Sharon Methodist Church with Reverend Paul Dunham and Reverend Larry “Doc” Ferrell officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

Pallbearers will be Christ Thompson, Mal Kirby, Larry Sellers, Rick Winner, Scott Anderson and Michael Turner.

Honorary pallbearers will be, Sandy Bristol, Winky Evans and Steve Varnam, Sr.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be directed to Sharon Methodist Church, 2030 Holden Beach Rd. Supply, NC 28462 or SECU Hospice House of Brunswick, 955 Mercy Lane, Bolivia, NC 28422

You may offer online condolences at www.shallottefunerals.com

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte Chapel