Lewis Francis Stretch was born to the late Mary (Wright) and Reubin Stretch in Berkeley County, South Carolina. He was educated in the Berkeley County School system. As a young man, he moved to Wash­ing­ton, DC where he married the love of his life Corine Rollison who preceded him in death.  From this union, four children were born.

He began his career as a Form Setter for Suburban Construction Com­pany, where he helped to build many streets and curbs in D.C. and Mary­land.  He later moved to New Haven, CT, where he was employed by Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Company as a Machine Oiler.  He worked there until his retirement after which he moved back "home" to St. Stephen, S.C.

He accepted Christ at an early age and resumed his membership with his home church, Bethel United Methodist, where he faithfully worshiped until illness resulted in a move to Lake Moultrie Nursing Home.  Francis loved the Lord.  When his children were younger, he read the Bible to them every day. Anyone who walked into his home knew that his television would be tuned to a religious program or baseball, which was his passion.  He loved to cook.  He would and could cook anything under the sun and make it taste good.

He was a man of strength, compassion and selflessness when it came to helping others.  He never said "no" when someone wanted or needed to move in with him. His children knew that there was always room for one more. Affectionately called "Colonel" by those who knew and loved him, we salute him for fighting a good fight as he had been ill for a very long time.

Francis leaves to cherish his memories, three daughters, Lucille "Puddin" Payne (Anthony), Maria "Dot" Campbell (William), Dr. Gwendolyn "Gwen"  Stretch-Holmes (William); one son, Lewis Stretch (Marcella); ten grandchildren, Pamela McKethan (Stephen), Kimberly Shields (Rondell), Ebonie Mullen (Jerome), Kristal Truesdale (Chalvin), Lewis Stretch, Jr., W. David Holmes (Meghan), Julius Dixon, Candice Stretch, Darrius and Denzel Dickerson; fifteen great-grandchildren; four great-great grand­children; special niece, Carrie Greene; special nephews, Solomon and Reubin Stretch; devoted cousin, Isaac McCray; and a host of other nieces, nephews, and friends.