R. Gilbert Lytch, 89, of Dillon passed away on Monday, April 7, 2014 at Fayetteville Veterans Administration Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC. Born and reared in Robeson County, NC, he was the son of the late Rufus and Effie Mae Smith Lytch. He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Lois Stephens Lytch.
Gilbert served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, in the Pacific Theater, receiving the Purple Heart and multiple battle stars. The unit he served in was the Amphipious Reconnaissance that evolved into what is currently Force Recon. After attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he was employed by the American Agricultural Chemical Company (Agrico). He began his career as a salesman, helping farmers improve their crop yields, and retired as Vice-President of the Phosphate Rock Association.
He had a deep interest in history and civic affairs. His first project after retirement was to write his memoirs about growing up in the Depression-era rural South.
He served as president of the Dillon County Historical Society and as a member of the Dillon Board of Architectural Review. He was a member of the Force Recon Association, member of the Dillon Rotary Club, and Propeller Club of Tampa, FL. The Tampa Port Authority named him Maritime Man of the Year. He was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church of Dillon and a believer in Jesus Christ as his Savior.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons Rev. Dr. Stephens Gilbert Lytch (Rev. Dr. Carol) of Lancaster, PA and Dr. David Bennett Lytch of Dillon, SC. He is also survived by a granddaughter Katherine Louise Lytch of Madrid, Spain and a grandson William Gilbert Lytch of Austin, Texas as well as three great grandchildren, Nichols, Andres, and Carolina, and a brother, Rev. William L. Lytch of San Antonio, Texas.
Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 11, 2014 at Main Street United Methodist Church, 401 East Main Street, Dillon, SC 29536, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. in the church sanctuary. Interment will follow at Midway Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 9115 NC Highway 130, Maxton, NC 28364, at 1:00 p.m.
Memorial gifts may be made to Main Street United Methodist Church or Midway Presbyterian Church.
You may sign the online guestbook at www.kannadayfuneralhome.com.
