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Mr. Louis Johnston Utsey of Advance, a kind-hearted man of integrity who lived out his faith in Jesus Christ, died on Friday, Oct. 9, 2020.

Pastor Gary Chapman had once said, “Live your life so that any day will be a good place to stop.” God chose to call home from the Oak Valley golf course where he was relishing time with close friends. He was born in his favorite season of the year, Oct. 22, 1950 in St. George, S.C. to Carlisle Louis Utsey and Sabie Johnston Utsey. He enjoyed a smalltown community and excelled in sports. While in high school, he met Susan Evans of Orangeburg, S.C. over a glass of lemonade, and this relationship flourished as he completed the College of Pharmacy at the University of South Carolina.
They married on Oct. 13, 1973. They lived in their own way until yielding to Christ at age of 42 and finding profound, settled satisfaction as Jesus reoriented their lives. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, sense of humor, willingness to pray with others, and his infectious hospitality. A golf buddy said he lived his life with a Christian witness rarely equalled. He delighted in studying and teaching God’s Word. He was a member of Grace Bible Church where he served as a deacon and in other capacities. He had a 41-year career in pharmacy, nurturing hundreds of relationships and strengthening the health of many. Most recently he savored retirement to the point of wearing his LL Bean bedroom slippers into the grocery store, just because he could. He could build a computer, cook fabulous foods, and produce a flower bed of beauty. A familiar sight in Advance was his little white pickup truck with the salvation message on the tailgate. He wanted others to know the blessings of trusting Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, William Carlisle Utsey.

Surviving: his wife, Susan Evans Utsey of Advance; sister-in-law, Mary Harley Utsey of St. George, S.C.; nieces, Christi Utsey Arroyo and Carla Alicia Utsey, both of St. George; and a host of friends.

A visitation was held on Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 5-7 p.m. at Grace Bible Church, Winston-Salem. A graveside celebration of life in the Lord will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. at Westlawn Gardens of Memory, Winston-Salem,. Pastors Rich Powell, Dwight Ball and Bobby Locklear will officiate. You are welcome to bring a chair to the graveside area. Thank you for observing social distancing and wearing a mask.

Memorials: Grace Bible Church, 3904 Woodview Drive, Winston-Salem, 27106; or to The Cove, The Billy Graham Training Center, 1 Porters Cove Road, Asheville, 28805.

Condolences: www.hayworth-miller.com.