Lewis Milburn Bandy, Jr., 82, of Alderson, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. He was born in Aberdeen, MD, to the late Lewis Milburn Bandy, Sr. and Ruth Fanny Rigsby.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Lewis lived a rough-and-tumble life in his early years. A reform school boxing champion with love for adventure, he hitchhiked across the country and carried the kind of stories that could fill a Johnny Cash song – fitting, since Johnny was one of his lifelong favorites.
Lewis worked for many years as a supervisor at Bethlehem Steel before trading in the factory life for the open fields of West Virginia, where he fulfilled his dream of owning a farm and raising his family. He poured his heart into his land, his garden, and the simple, honest life he built there. Lewis was an avid card player, loved watching westerns, and playing scratch off lottery tickets.
In addition to his parents, Lewis was preceded in death by sisters Beulah Samples (Bob), Mary Fender (Dave), Rosalie Schuler (Freddie), Ruth Ann Richardson (Frank), Janet Carter (Benny); brother Leroy Bandy (Edie) and sister-in-law Kim Pilkerton.
He is survived by his wife Linda Bandy; daughters Heather Bandy (Tony Morgan), Tena Forrester; son George Lucas; brothers Lawrence Bandy (Martha), Leonard Bandy (Lee), Brian Pilkerton; grandchildren Chelsea Thompson (David), Todd Richmond (Cassidi), Doug Richmond (Brianna), Michael Forrester (Laura), Brandie Forrester, Cherri Forrester, Stephanie Lucas, Tristan Morgan (Molly); several great-grandchildren; nieces; and nephews.
In keeping with his wishes, Lewis will be cremated with a celebration of his life to be held at a later time.
Alderson Funeral Services and Smathers Funeral Chapel are honored to be entrusted to care for Lewis and his family during their great time of need.
Online condolences may be made at www.smathersfuneralchapelinc.com
