Lewis Edwin Allred

Reverend Lewis Edwin Allred, 92, peacefully departed this life on December 6, 2025, at his home in the Myrick Community, outside Laurel, Mississippi. He was born on January 17, 1933, in Jackson Mississippi, to William and Dora (Holder) Allred. Reverend Allred was preceded in death by his parents, all eight of his older brothers and sisters, and by his first wife of over 50 years Sybil (Schwan) Allred. He is survived by his devoted wife of the last 12 years Mary (Morrison) Allred; his son and daughter-in-law Richard and Debra Allred, and daughter Rebecca Hatfield; his grandchildren John Allred, Daniel Allred, Chase Hatfield; and his great-granddaughter, Adeline Allred. Brother Allred began his adventures in life as a young marine. His brother, Johnny, was killed on Saipan in World War II and Lew (as his friends called him) was determined to walk in his brother’s footsteps and serve his country. After his commitment to the marines, during which time he rose to Sergeant and fought in the Korean Conflict, he committed to a higher calling - serving the Lord. After attending and graduating seminary programs at William Carey in Hattiesburg and in New Orleans, he was ordained and served in several small churches in the communities around Laurel until he was accepted to become a Chaplain in the United States Navy. Over the course of the next 2 decades he ministered to young men and women all over the world: including several cruises aboard ships on which he was assigned, to serving alongside young marines while sharing in their dangers on the hills and in the jungles of Vietnam. He eventually specialized in Hospital Chaplaincy, ministering to the sick and injured and their families in Navy hospitals. Upon retiring from the Navy in 1977, Reverend Allred settled and pastored in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, for a time before relocating back to Laurel and building a home in the Myrick Community. He served as pastor for many years at Bethel Baptist Church in the Sandersville Community, and eventually became Minister of Visitation at Laurel United Methodist Church. Even as he began stepping away from more active pastoral roles, Brother Allred would find a way to slip in a “mini sermon” to folks he would meet along the way either through verse, joke, or song. In recent years, Lew had more time to work on his farm, which he loved. He enjoyed making a big garden every year; thinning, trimming and then eventually reaping and then replanting the pine trees on his land; “piddling” in his shop; and of course absolutely adoring the companionship of his many cats and dogs he adopted over the years. Eventually, age and the cumulative effects of several diseases, including Alzheimers and Diabetes, began taking their toll, and the man we thought would outlive us all, finally went to join the Lord. Lew’s wishes after he passed were as simple as how he tried to live his life: with little fanfare and humble words. In keeping with these wishes, a simple graveside ceremony will be held for family and close friends at Clark Cemetery in Myrick on 13 December, 2025 at 1:00 PM. We ask that in lieu of flowers you donate to a favorite charity in Brother Allred’s honor. To view or sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Lewis Edwin Allred

January 17, 1933 - December 6, 2025