What I was trying to point out is that the code to run the lcd from a 16f688 is available for educational purposes
here. The schematic is avaiable also
here or from the link I posted above.
This is the code for the serial backpack, but it is very easy to move to the RC or another chip.
I'm working on a LCD terminal similar to what you described and I've found the serial backpack is the simplest way to run an LCD(even easier if you by an LCD with the backpack attached
. look at the bottom of
this page for those. ).
Hope this helps.