James Thomas Lewis Jr. (Tommy), 76, passed away Friday, March 22, 2019. He was born in Nash County on October 24, 1942, to the late James Thomas Lewis and Betty Clark Lewis. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 38 years Martha Wheeless Lewis, brothers William Lee Lewis and Edward Gene Lewis.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his two sons, Carlton Brown of Clayton and Ed Brown of Cary, and grandchildren Nelson and Tyler Brown, both of Raleigh. He is also survived by his brother Charlie Lewis and sister Annie Vines Evans, both of Rocky Mount, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, Keri Norman Peevey (the closest to a daughter he ever had) and many, many friends.
Tommy played football for the Rocky Mount Senior High Blackbirds before graduating in 1962. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1964, and served in Texas, Mississippi, Guam, and Florida. After being honorably discharged in 1970, he made his career with A&P as a stock clerk and assistant manager. In 1990, he retired from the A&P and took a position in the Lewis family business, Southern Mattress Company, before retiring for good in 2011.
An avid outdoorsman, Tommy enjoyed hunting, fishing, target shooting, and riding his ATV. He served several years as an Assistant Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 11, where his sons became Eagle Scouts in 1980. He was an active member of the American Legion and several other local civic and recreational organizations, but his passion was the Rocky Mount Moose Lodge, where he served almost 50 years, including positions as chairman of community service and Lodge Governor, recruiting over 25 other members into the Moose Fraternity over the years.
The family will receive friends 7:00 - 9:00pm Monday, March 25, 2019 at Johnson Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 10:00am Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at Proctor's Chapel Baptist Church; burial will follow at Pineview Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.
Visitation
Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services
661 English Rd
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
ID ) ); ?>"> --> (252) 937-8886 --> |
Monday 3/25, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Service
Pineview Cemetery
761 N. Raleigh Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
Location Not Available
Tuesday 3/26, 10:00 am
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Lit a candle in memory of James Thomas Tommy Lewis
… One of the toughest fullbacks in the game back when we were young Blackbirds. Heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family.
Carlton and Edward….condolences and prayers…..we had so many good times with you all….Mike & Gatsy Eason
It has been so so many years ago however the memories of the pre- family reunion cookouts and all the love demonstrated by the hospitality will live in forever. Praying for the family. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord We shall meet again and what a day that will be. Praise the Holy Name of Jesus.
Lit a candle in memory of James Thomas Tommy Lewis
Lit a candle in memory of James Thomas Tommy Lewis
Carlton, Im sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort for you and your family. Love, Vickie Stanley
I am so sorry to the Lewis family for your loss many prayers for the family
Lit a candle in memory of James Thomas Tommy Lewis
Lit a candle in memory of James Thomas Tommy Lewis
Lit a candle in memory of James Thomas Tommy Lewis
Lit a candle in memory of James Thomas Tommy Lewis
We are truely sorry for your loss . Tommy will truely be missed by all a great community man for many years .Hearts of sympathy goes out to the entire family .
A very Kind hearted man. Always ready to share ones joys and sorry, will be missed for a long time, my condolences to all the family. May he enjoy a special place in heavens. Tanveer Lonne.
I always remember that red truck he used to drive. Hate to read that he is gone!