Lance Hays Rubin

Lance Hays Rubin, son of Rabbi Saul and Elsie Parsons Rubin passed away July 9th, 2024. He was born Oct.16 th , 1962 in Charleston, South Carolina and was 62 at the time of his passing. He was predeceased in death by his sister Stephanie Lynn Rubin in 2014.

Lance attended the private St. Christopher School in Richmond, VA for 6 years. He then moved with his parents to Savannah, Ga where he attended and graduated from Savannah Country Day School. There his artistic talents were encouraged by teacher Kay Godawa.

Lance attended the University of Georgia for two years and then moved back to Savannah, transferring to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and graduating in 1988 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (BFA) in Photography.

After graduation, he opened Blackbird Photography Studio in Savannah and made a name for himself photographing weddings and portraits. Involved in the local music scene while at UGA, Lance enjoyed befriending fellow-student Michael Stipe with the popular band R.E.M. Lance wrote song lyrics and had interesting adventures with Michael during their time together in Athens.

Lance and another good friend Bernie Urban started a Savannah newspaper called Elements where Lance had his own column. Bernie and Lance created the well-known and iconic poster entitled “Savannah Doors” which depicted 16 of the most beautiful historic doors in Savannah.

During this time, he also appeared in the movie "1969" with Keifer Sutherland and Robert Downey Jr. having a small role as the director of a modern band.  Lance also appeared in several other minor roles in other movies and played bass guitar with the local band “Sunday School.”

Lance then moved to New York where, in the 1990’s, he had a successful business called Venus Body Arts which was featured in a Japanese film documentary.

The multi- talented Lance then opened a clothing boutique on E. 5th St. called SOMA which was featured on New York City Public Access TV. Lance also established his own company called Lance Rubin Fine Arts and played bass in the band “Barbie Complex” that was offered a recording contract.

In the early 2000’s Lance worked as a graphic artist at some of the top ad agencies in New York, including DDB, Deutsche, TBWA, and Y&R. As a graphic artist he created a colorful and highly appealing ad for Mercedes Benz.

While living in New York, Lance met and married Jong and, while married, they lived in Maplewood, New Jersey. There were travels to Paris, Madrid, Venice, New Orleans and San Francisco to further hone his artistic talents and to advance her career with Swatch Watches.

Returning to Savannah in 2013 to help his parents, Lance created a large body of art and had a major show at Blick Art Supplies and Gallery. The pieces showcased his keen ability to capture the essence of a person in character drawings and paintings.

Whenever Lance was with a group of friends, co-workers, or employees, he would admonish them to, “Do something creative every day.”

His good friend, Bernie Urban, said, “Lance was a kind soul, a quick wit, and worked hard and tirelessly to be the best he could be at everything he put his mind to. Lance was naturally and effortlessly talented and had so much love in his heart. He loved dogs dearly. He was always kind and was the most genuinely generous human being I have ever known. He deserves to be in a place where he can be at peace and surrounded by love. I will miss him.”

He will be remembered by many as a charming, true, and loyal friend.

Lance’s funeral will be Monday, July 15th at 1:00 PM in the Jewish section of Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia. The grave-side service will be conducted by Rabbi Rachael Bregman of Temple Beth Tefilloh, Brunswick, and Rabbi Robert Haas of Congregation Mickve Israel, Savannah.

Donations may be made to the History Fund at Congregation Mickve Israel, 20 East Gordon St. Savannah, Ga 31401, or to Temple Beth Tefilloh History Fund, 1326 Egmont St. Brunswick, Georgia 31520.