Linwood Earl Conway (affectionately known as "Mr. Earl"), 85, of Myrtle Beach, SC, went Home to be with his Lord and Savior shortly after midnight on June 22, 2026. He was born on June 16, 1941 in Durham, NC to the late Alvin & Mildred Card Conway.

He lived in Chico, California for 40 years, where he worked in the grocery business for many years, prior to his retirement, before moving to Myrtle Beach in 2003 with his late brother, Phillip Wayne Conway, after their mother's passing.

He was an avid gardener, having grown a variety of vegetables and flowers in his yard for several years. He enjoyed his houseplants, particularly his beloved Christmas Cacti, which he had many of. He relished watching things grow, and often said he hoped the Good Lord will let him have a garden in Heaven. Though he wasn't able to continue with his gardening passion in recent years, his friends made sure he had a patio garden to watch grow each year, and he absolutely loved looking out the window and door at them every day, praying over their fruitfulness. One of his favorite sayings was, "Shall we pick our own salad today?"

In addition to gardening, Mr. Earl's greatest love was the Lord Jesus Christ, and he loved serving Him in various ways over the years at Grand Strand Baptist Church. He was a dedicated usher/greeter; a faithful Good News Club volunteer for several years at both Forestbrook and Ocean Bay Elementary Schools' after-school Bible clubs; a longtime volunteer with the church's homeless shelter ministry, helping to cook and carry food to the shelter once a month to serve those less fortunate. He was the one who would go early and make the coffee for all the church's Sunday School classes each Sunday morning (thus, the reason for the sign still on display today which reads, "Mr. Earl's Coffee Shop"). He was the first to volunteer for anything... anywhere help was needed. He was a huge help with the church's flood/disaster relief efforts, and went above and beyond to help the SCDNR folks feed all the first responders (hundreds of them) during those efforts. He was even honored by Governor Henry McMaster for doing so.

He possessed such a giving heart, always looking after the needs of others and tending to even the most minute details to help make sure everything was just as it should be. That's just who he was. After taking care of his mother, then his brother, he never lost his servant's heart. In fact, it grew even bigger. He never did anything halfway. He was all-in or not at all. That was true of ministry, of friendship, and of his devotion to the Lord. There aren't many like Mr. Earl.

He loved reading and Bible Study, particularly Bible Prophecy, and was a regular attender of the Advanced Bible Institute for many years at the church. He loved his Southern Gospel Music, and in fact, was comforted by it in his last hours here on earth, as he was ushered to Heaven. The song that was playing as he drew his last breath was "O Happy Day", by Sisters, after having just heard them sing "This Is Just What Heaven Means To Me" moments before. Indeed, God's perfect timing at work. (At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen. --Isaiah 60:22b NLT)

Mr. Earl is survived by his many friends, including his special friends, Steve & Lois Clardy, who have assisted him greatly over the last 6 years. A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, July 22, at 11:00 a.m., at the Grand Strand Baptist Church, 350 Hospitality Lane, Myrtle Beach SC 29579.

In lieu of flowers, Mr. Earl requested that memorials be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship of the Greater Pee Dee, so that more boys and girls in our communities can learn about Jesus and His great love for them; or to the Good News Club Ministry of Grand Strand Baptist Church, to purchase Bibles for the children who attend the Good News Clubs sponsored by the church.

Grand Strand Funeral Home & Crematory of Myrtle Beach is assisting Mr. Conway's loved ones.