Gary Lee Romines, Sr.

The Lord brought Reverend Gary Lee Romines, Sr. immediately into His presence on October 8, 2024, after a five-year courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Rev. Romines, a resident of Wagener, South Carolina, passed away at his home. Born in Oliver Springs, TN, Rev. Romines was the son of J.L. Romines and Clara Woods Able. He was married for 57 years to his sweetheart and best friend, Monnie Marie Courtney.  Gary was a decorated multi-sport athlete from Salley High School, where he graduated in 1964. He received his Bachelor's degree from Carson Newman University in 1969. After graduation, he spent a few years as a layperson working as a math teacher and basketball coach and then in sales for Independent Life Insurance.  Soon though, he followed his Heavenly Father’s call into the ministry and received a Masters of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1977.   His pastorates include Bethune Baptist Church in Bethune, SC, Great Swamp Baptist Church in Ridgeland, SC, Foreman Memorial Baptist Church in New Ellenton, SC, Bethel Baptist Church in Sumter, SC, and Red Bank Baptist Church in Saluda, SC, where he retired in 2014. Reverend Romines was most recently a member of Bethcar Baptist Church of Wagener, SC.

Throughout his time as a pastor, Gary led his congregations with a servant’s heart and commitment to the Lord.  He served on the Board of Anderson College in Anderson, SC and on the South Carolina Baptist Convention Executive Board.

Gary's love of Jesus and love of others intersected most profoundly with his devotion to his family. His family knew that Papa prayed daily for each of them and loved them unconditionally. He is survived by his loving wife Monnie Courtney Romines, his two children: Monica Romines Lovelace and her husband, Bill of Littleton, NC, Gary Lee Romines, Jr and his wife, Christi of Wagener, SC and his three grandchildren: Serena, Trey and Tyler Romines. Gary was predeceased by his mother, Clara Able, stepfather, Chester “Jack” Able, Jack’s wife and dear family friend Nell Able, and sister Patricia Romines Eames. He was also predeceased by close friends and Sunday School Teachers, Pat and Lou Baughman, and David Haynie.  The family would like to extend special thanks and love to their many long-time friends who have provided much-needed support in recent weeks, and their deepest appreciation to Julianne Rogers and Marian Tyler of MSA Hospice, for their compassionate care of Rev. Romines over the past months.

A Celebration of Life service for Reverend Romines will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 4:00 pm at Bethcar Baptist Church, 950 Bethcar Church Rd, Wagener, South Carolina.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Bethcar Baptist Church.  The Romines family will honor Reverend Romines life with a private burial.

Honorary pallbearers are his grandsons, Trey and Tyler along with Pat Allen, Tom Buddha, Kenny Dorn, Scott Evans, MD, Ray Hutto, Jim Lovelace, Ted McNair, Tom McNair, Darren Morris, Kevin Peacock, Earl Pope, Sr, Ricky Temples, and Darren Wilson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethcar Baptist Church, PO Box 546, Wagener, SC 29164.  

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