Shama Cartwright, a Navy veteran and longtime owner of The Rebel Lion Den in Augusta, Georgia, has died following a battle with Stage 4 cancer and G6PD deficiency. He was 68 years old. Cartwright passed away peacefully, leaving behind a family, a business, and a community that knew him as a disciplined former service member turned holistic wellness advocate.
Cartwright served in the United States Navy for an unspecified number of years before transitioning to civilian life. Fellow veterans describe him as someone who carried military values into every subsequent endeavor. He did not discuss his service in detail, but those close to him say the Navy taught him structure, resilience, and the importance of looking after others before himself.
In 2000, Cartwright opened The Rebel Lion Den in Augusta. The establishment became known as a space for holistic healing, relaxation, and community gathering. Customers sought out his services for stress relief, wellness advice, and a welcoming atmosphere. Employees recall that he trained staff to prioritize client comfort over profit and that he frequently offered discounted sessions to those facing financial hardship. The business remained open for 26 years under his leadership.
Cartwright was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and G6PD deficiency, a genetic disorder that affects red blood cell function, in his later years. Despite his declining health, he continued to oversee daily operations at The Rebel Lion Den and maintained regular contact with longtime clients. Family members say he focused on spending time with loved ones rather than dwelling on his prognosis.
No memorial service details have been announced. The family has requested privacy as they make arrangements. Former employees have started an online fundraiser to help cover medical and funeral expenses. The Rebel Lion Den’s status remains uncertain, though staff have indicated they intend to keep the business operating in some form.
Cartwright is survived by his family, former employees, and a network of Augusta residents who viewed his establishment as a neighborhood landmark. He was 68. He served in the Navy, ran a small business for nearly three decades, and faced a terminal illness without self-pity. That is the outline of a life spent in service to others. Anyone wishing to honor his memory may contribute to the fundraiser or leave a note of condolence for his family.
