Ray's Beekeeping Journey

"I Realized It Was Time to Educate Myself"

Ray Beekeeping with Dad in the 1970s

By my Dads Side...

Hi, I’m Ray. My beekeeping journey started as a boy, by my father’s side, assisting with his bees in Connecticut and Vermont in the 1970s, over 50 years ago.  Our original farm name was Honey Top Farm. The original sign is shown below.  

When I had my own children, I decided to keep bees again. I was surprised that it did not go as well as it had with my dad! For several years, I struggled.  I found that keeping bees in the South differed from that in New England, and that new pests were spreading viruses. When my dad passed, I lost my mentor. I planned to quit.    

But after a winter of thinking about it, I decided to dig in deeper by investing in a comprehensive beekeeping education. In doing so, I discovered many gaps in my knowledge, which led to success and joy in keeping bees.      Visit My Blog

To A Certified Master Beekeeper

Fast-forward 50 years, and I run a small beekeeping business in Chapin, SC. called Honey Top Bees, named after our original farm.   I run around 40 hives and have come to truly enjoy beekeeping more than I ever expected.  

I have obtained my Master Beekeeper Certification via the University of Florida. I serve on the board of both our local bee club (SC Midstate Beekeepers Association) and the SC State Beekeepers Association.   

I focus on teaching via classes and my video course, speaking,  selling bees and honey.  And I produce weekly YouTube content.   

In addition to beekeeping, I’m a husband to my wonderful wife and a joyful father to two sets of twins. I’ve been a pastor at the same church for over thirty years and have started two small businesses throughout my career.  

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Gallery

Honey Top Bee Family

Ray

Does most of the work 🙂

Tina

She has to listen to me ramble about bees.

Isaac

Known for inviting bees to fly under this veil so he can run around the yard in panic.

Belle

She eats honey on occasion, but really does not like bees that much at all

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Really enjoyed his work and he does it well and fair very nice and respectful guy as well would definitely recommend for anyone who is looking to remove there bees
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Hunter Holder profile picture
Hunter H
February 26, 2024
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My family and I did the Bee Tour and had an amazing experience!! We had honey tastings with different types of honey from around the world. Ray was extremely knowledgeable and it was fascinating learning about bees! We finished off the tour with delicious biscuits, whipped butter, and honey. A 10/10 experience!!
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Kierstyn Alonzo profile picture
Kierstyn A
October 18, 2025
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We had a swarm of honey bees that took up residence on on of our picnic tables. I contacted Mr. Hewitt and he told me he would be here within 30 minutes. That was huge since we had a lot of children in this area. He was extremely knowledgeable and told us many interesting things about bees. I would highly recommend.
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Renee Brooks profile picture
Renee B
October 10, 2023
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Bee Keeping 101 Class was fantastic! Full of great information, easy to understand, and a wealth of knowledge from Ray!
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Terry Adkins profile picture
Terry A
February 3, 2025
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Very knowledgeable. Picked up a lot of great information
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Rubin profile picture
Rubin
June 1, 2024
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Very informative and straight forward class. I learned a lot and can't wait to get started!
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Gin Warf profile picture
Gin W
February 4, 2024
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Found a Honey bee hive in my wall and called Honey Top Bees. Ray was absolutely amazing! He came the same day and was able to save what could have been a very bad situation. He was very knowledgeable and upfront about everything. It was not only an unforgettable experience but extremely educational. Thank you Honey Top Bees!
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Andre Fontana profile picture
Andre F
March 29, 2024
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Ray is great at explaining the basics and the nuances that you need to know to thrive. Super helpful and willing to share his experience with us that are learning!
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Brad Gainey profile picture
Brad G
January 9, 2024
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I just moved to South Carolina feom Indiana. I have allergies and was warned that they could be worse here! So I sought out some local honey! First thing I noticed was the ease in ordering! I even got reminders for my pickup! The place is immaculate! I hope in my next life I come back as one of their bees! Pickup was super easy! Even got to say a quick hello to the owner! Honey is FANTASTIC! Got some bee pollen to take daily! My favorite thing is that they sell the wax! I bought a brick and made candles for my home! I have had store bought bees wax candles and they were fine, but these candles are amazing!! I will be back often for all their products! Thank you Honey Top Bees for being 10 steps above the rest!
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Sara K
March 13, 2025
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So local you can see the bee hives from the self service stand.
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Charles profile picture
Charles
March 2, 2026
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We love this honey … as well as the convenience of the online ordering and pickup. So easy! I certainly also want to support this bee keeper conserver and champion!!!
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Paula Amick profile picture
Paula A
June 23, 2025
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This class was so interesting & fun to learn about beekeeping. Very helpful, informative, & comprehensive. Ray covers very thoroughly the information for beginner beekeepers. Loved attending this class. Highly recommend taking it & checking it out! Ray’s the best! He lays out the information simply & in a fun & engaging way, & makes it easy to understand. Such a fun class!
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Kayla Scott profile picture
Kayla S
July 29, 2025
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Easy to understand and very informative. Excellent Customer service as well!!
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Rick profile picture
Rick
January 9, 2024
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I just finished the class titled "Is beekeeping right for me?" Extremely informative, written and produced in a way that incorporates common sense, technology and knowledge that could only be achieved through years of experience and continuing education. Thank you.
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Steve Wall profile picture
Steve W
August 17, 2026

Oh hi there 👋
It’s nice to meet you.

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