Lewie Franklin Blessing, 74 of Lyndhurst, VA, after a long extended battle with cancer, has gone home to rest in Heaven. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman Warren Blessing and Nannie Ruth Burnett, and one brother, Herman Lee Blessing, two nephews Timmy and Terry Blessing, all of Wythesville, VA.
He is survived by his wife, Murhl (Stemple) Blessing of Lyndhurst, VA; one son, Aaron Blessing and wife, Heather of Middlebrook, VA; four step children, Michael of Purcelleville, VA, Brian McCauley and wife, Brenda Jean of Middletown, MD, Matthew McCauley and wife, Karen of San Antonio, TX, Rhonda Shifflett of Fishersville, VA; eight grandchildren, Aiden Blessing, Timothy “TJ”, Cheyanne Nolan, Casey McCauley, Caroline Tacy, Brenna McCauley, and Ryan and Colin McCauley and one great grandchild. He was also survived by three sisters, Christene Bowles and husband, Dr. Albert Bowles and Betty Jo Blessing all of Tenn, Kitty Wilkins and husband, Eric of Wytheville, VA; one brother, Jerry Blessing and partner, Dianne of Dublin, VA. He also had many, many nieces and nephews that he loved very much.
After graduating from George Wytheville High School, Lew served in the US Marine Corp. He worked at Augusta County Service Authority after graduating from Virginia Tech. Lew was a member at Main Street United Methodist Church in Waynesboro, and loved his church family. He was also a member of the Waynesboro Elks Lodge 2270. He did many hours of volunteer work. Lew loved to travel, he liked fishing, hunting, golf, and time with family.
Lew was a family man. He loved nothing more than having the family together on Holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because. He often told people, “510 Chinquapin” was the best restaurant around.
He was always busy with “do it yourself” projects around the house. Lew loved flowers, and he had them everywhere. He loved life and made every day count. He had many friends, Elks brothers and sisters, and travel buddies. He was always ready to take a trip, with friends or family. Cruises, Hilton Head, Cancun, out west, trips to other country’s with family or friends, or just a few days in New England. And it was always an adventure, with stories he loved to share.
Lew was a giver too. Thirty years ago, he gave both his heart and his kidney away in the same week. The kidney was given to his nephew Bart, and his heart to the love of his life, Murhl.
A celebration of Lew’s life will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Main Street United Methodist Church, 601 W Main St, Waynesboro, VA with Pastor Joe Shoop and Rev. Linda Kusse-Wolfe officiating. Those wishing to attend are asked to please wear a face mask and practice social distancing.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Lew’s memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or to the Cleveland Clinic by visiting www.my.clevelandclinic.org/giving/make-a-gift.
Lew was diagnosed with cancer in 2000. Thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses who cared for him, we were blessed to have him for 20 more years.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.
Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories online with the family by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com.
