Rev. Raymond Lawrence Shreve

Reverend Raymond L. Shreve, husband, father, grandfather, pastor, missionary, and mentor went to be with the Lord on June 23, 2026. Rev. Shreve is remembered for his love of his Heavenly Father, his commitment to sharing the Gospel, and his genuine love of those who were blessed by knowing him.

Born to missionary parents, Harry and Ina Shreve, Rev. Shreve began his life in Xian, China on August 14, 1941, during the chaotic days of World War II. He and his parents left China through Hong Kong in 1948, resided briefly in the Philippines, and eventually to Cuba where Rev. Shreve worked with his parents to build twelve churches. From Cuba, the Shreves moved in 1962 to South Florida where Rev. Shreve attended Hobe Sound Bible College and was a member of the first graduating class of 1964.

Rev. Shreve and his parents moved from Cuba to Key West because of the Cuban revolution and founded Evangelical Wesleyan Mission. They started a church and school, Holiness Wesleyan Church and Wesleyan Day School. Through the church and school they worked with those fleeing Cuba, Navy families, and members of the Key West community. Rev. Shreve worked as an interpreter, pastor, and provided support in the community and church. In 1964 he married Alice Hartle and they continued the work in Key West. They have three children, Sarah, Curtis, and Margaret who currently reside in South Carolina and Virginia.

Rev. Shreve's ministry included supporting and training missionaries to Asia and Central and South America as he and his parents expanded the work of Evangelical Wesleyan Mission. He traveled constantly to mentor missionaries and local pastors and gain support for EWM. In 1989 Rev. Shreve and his family relocated to South Carolina as he continued leading EWM.

Rev. Shreve was an avid pilot, flying mission trips into Central and South America for years. He loved this aspect of his work and could always be found with a new scripture passage he was studying and a copy of the AOPA Pilot magazine. Rev. Shreve had a deeply curious nature and read widely on a variety of subjects. He had a love of music, an ability to repair just about anything, and could be counted on to have read about virtually any topic. Rev. Shreve was renowned for his storytelling. He had a story for every occasion and knew how to tell it to keep his listeners fascinated while his life experiences provided a colorful backdrop to his stories.

Most of all Rev. Shreve was wholly focused on spreading the Gospel. He translated books and pamphlets into Spanish, taught local pastors theology, and supported them in their churches. His trips to Asia, Africa, and Central and South America were always the highlight of each year. His love of people, delight in new ideas and experiences, and his faithfulness to the Gospel could be seen in all facets of his life.

Rev. Shreve is survived by his beloved wife, Sarah Alice Hartle Shreve; children, Sarah Shreve Terrell and husband, Timothy, Curtis Isaac Shreve and wife, Lucia Tonin, and  Margaret Estelle Shreve Wahrer; grandchildren, Lauren Margaret Neal, Christian Rash and wife, Jaley, Chloe Isabella-Jean Shreve, and Camden Isaac Shreve; and  great-granddaughter, Maddie Mae Rash. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Eggers Funeral Home of Boiling Springs.

Funeral services will begin at 4:00 PM in the Chapel of Eggers Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Paul Stetler. A private family interment will follow.

Active pallbearers will be Curtis Shreve, Camden Shreve, Timothy Terrell, Lindell Howard, Israel Roman, and Alec Jiminez.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor his memory by supporting the ministry he cared deeply about.

Memorial contributions may be made to Evangelical Wesleyan Missions, helping missionaries continue sharing the Gospel and serving communities throughout Central and South America.

Donations may be sent to:

Evangelical Wesleyan Mission
P.O. Box 160070
Spartanburg, SC 29316