Louie V. Andrews III

Louie V. Andrews III, 76, of Nellysford, Virginia, devoted his life to faith, service, learning, and social justice. He departed his “heaven on earth” to discover his next adventure on October 11, 2026 surrounded by his family and dear friends. He was born in Cedartown, Georgia to Dr. Rev. Louie Verner Andrews Jr. and Dorthy Gober Andrews.

After completing his BA in History, Louie was in the US Army for three years. He then completed his MA in Christian Education, later serving as a Christian educator and campus minister. Soon after, he completed his MA in Theology, answering the call to ministry. He later obtained his Dr. of Divinity degree. Despite his academic accomplishments, Louie was much more concerned with supporting those in need, whether family, friend, or stranger.

Louie's ministry, in loving partnership with his wife Deb, led him to Wilmington, NC; Virginia Beach, VA; San Angelo, TX; Clinton, NC; and ultimately Rockfish Presbyterian in Nellysford, VA before his retirement after more than 40 years of full-time ministry. He continued in retirement by serving various churches in the community to include Second Waynesboro, Olivet, and Cove Presbyterian churches.

Throughout his life, Louie sought to put his faith into practice, sharing the Gospel not only through words but also through service, teaching, youth ministry, mission, music, and an unwavering commitment to advocacy for others. He protested for peace, built communities across borders, fought for inclusiveness of all people to be accepted within the church, held the hands of those dying of AIDS, and gave dignity to the homeless. His creative programing, curriculum writing, and story-telling impacted the church at large.

A lifelong scholar and educator, Louie never lost his sense of curiosity about the world around him. He found great joy in discovering new ideas, sharing that knowledge, and challenging other’s beliefs. In his later years, he continued this pursuit through his work studying and leading tours at Monticello, where his passion for history and learning beautifully merged.

Music was among Louie's greatest passions and an essential part of his spiritual life. He found God's presence in many places, but especially through jazz, blues, rock, and, above all, Americana. For Louie, music provided a powerful means of connecting with others and expressing the values and questions that guided his life.

He embraced life with enthusiasm and a love of both sports and adventure. An avid golfer, tennis player, skier, cyclist, and lifelong baseball fan, Louie rarely encountered a sport he was unwilling to try. His many interests reflected a spirit that remained curious, energetic, and open to new experiences throughout his life. While always open for adventure, his favorite pastime was quiet time with a good book.

Louie is survived by his wife, Deb Andrews, whom he often described as his rock, and without whom he could not have become the person he was. He is also survived by his children, Martina Paukert and her spouse Zach Paukert; David Andrews and his spouse Sheree Andrews; his grandchildren, Andy, Austin, and Siddalee Paukert, and Molly and Bennett Andrews; and his sisters, Jane Corbin, Rebekah Andrews, and Susan Smith, along with their families. His happiest moments were sharing his love of sports and music with his children and grandchildren whether by attending a concert, playing instruments, skiing down the mountain, or riding bikes.

Louie’s life reminds us that faith can be discovered in many places: in service to others, in the pursuit of knowledge, in a song, in a shared story, and in the willingness to continue learning throughout life's journey.

A service celebrating Louie's life will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, VA.

In lieu of flowers, please support your church’s mission or youth programs. If you do not have a church home, please consider a donation to Rockfish Presbyterian Church’s mission ministry.