Lacy Ray Lewis, 71, of Eden, left his earthly home on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, surrounded by his family at Hospice Home, Wentworth. He was born August 16, 1943 in Spray, NC to the late Sam and Delta Lewis.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 8 at 3:00 pm at Fair Funeral Chapel, with visitation one hour before the service.
Mr. Lewis was a graduate of Morehead High School in 1963. He was a lifelong learner, beginning at Rockingham Community College with the completion of numerous continuing education classes, obtaining his Real Estate/Broker?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s License, and graduating with honors when he returned to the classroom there in 2005. He also attended classes at Princeton University, Clemson University, and NC State University.
Mr. Lewis had a long career as a Colorist for Karastan Rug Mill/Fieldcrest Mills/Pillowtex in Eden and Kannapolis. He retired in 2003 with 39 years of service. Lacy also worked at Tri-City Food Market and Winn Dixie Food Store prior to working at Karastan. After his retirement, he worked part time for a few years at Wal Mart in Reidsville.
He was an active member of Spray Baptist Church for over 50 years. He served on the Board of Trustees, led Royal Ambassadors, organized Pinewood derbies, helped build a new playground, chaired committees, delivered tapes for homebound members, and was a Youth Leader for many years. As a child, he was a member of St. Luke?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s Episcopal Church and attended with his family.
He was also very active in his community. As a member of Eden Jaycees, he helped create the Christmas Empty Stocking Fund. He worked countless hours supplying food, wood, and other necessities for the less fortunate, not only at Christmas, but all year. He was a member of Kiwanis and helped with local projects, including the Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration. He served on the Board of Adjustments, Eden Salvation Army board of directors, and was a dedicated Boy Scout leader and volunteer.
In his spare time, he enjoyed shopping in thrift stores for bargains, having an eye for the ?¢‚Ǩ?ìdiamonds in the rough?¢‚Ǩ¬ù. He was a master at refurbishing someone else?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s junk into new and different treasures that he eagerly shared with those he loved. He also became known as the neighborhood ?¢‚Ǩ?ìfix-it?¢‚Ǩ¬ù man. Lacy loved adventure, and never met a roller coaster or feat too daring to attempt: snow skiing, water skiing, zip lining were some of his favorites activities. He traveled by car across the country on two different occasions, stopping at even the most unique and out-of-the-way attractions along these trips.
His most precious memories were those with family and close friends. He enjoyed spending time with his grandsons, teaching them about the rivers and fishing, telling stories of yesteryear, attending their sporting events, and just hanging out. He completed home renovation and landscape projects with his son. He planned and held July 4th cookouts, Thanksgiving dinners, and Christmas socials for his extended family.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Gail Jarrett Lewis of the home; his daughter Tammy Shelton (Mike) of Eden; his son Bill Lewis (Dee Boyd) of Eden; his grandsons Andrew Shelton and Zach Shelton of Eden; his sisters Evelyn Conner (Sonny) of Wentworth and Frances Brown of Eden; his brothers Sammy Lewis (Ruth) of Dublin, VA, Willard Lewis and Clayton Eggers of Eden; nieces Jennifer Culley (Mason) of Danville, VA, Jessica Mabe (Jason) of Jacksonville, NC, and Anna Flint (Kevin) of Eden; nephews Jeff Conner (Mary) of Wentworth and Jason Lewis (Kim) of Eden. He is survived by numerous additional nieces and nephews. He cherished special friends Buzzy Lawson of Eden; Tommy and Brenda Smith of Eden; Ron and Linda Richardson of Somerset, KY; and Tommy and Mary Lea Land of Stoneville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.
The family would like to thank Dr. Hasanaj of Eden and the excellent doctors, nurses, and staff of Wake Forest Baptist Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, especially Dr. Zanetta Lamar. As lead oncologist/physician of his medical team, Dr. Lamar never gave up in his treatment for lymphoma, and assisted him in ringing the Victory Bell in July 2014.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Rockingham Community College Foundation, Restricted to Continuing Education, Post Office Box 38, Wentworth, North Carolina 27375.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com
My deepest sympathies to Sam and the other members of Ray's family. He was certainly an active man and was involved in many and varied activities. Mayk God richly bless all of you in your time of loss and sorrow.
Jim Adkins
Dear Gail & Family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in all the good things that Lacy accomplished in his lifetime. May he forever rest in peace.
Janet Forrester
Janet Forrester
My condolences to the family i did not know anyone in the family other than his brother Sam.
David Jaynes
Gail, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Ray was such a wonderful person and will be missed by many. Am having to travel to Oregon on Thursday but my thoughts will be with all of you. Carol
Carol Fagge
Gail-- Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ann Hawkins
Evelyn,
Sincere sympathy in the loss of your brother. You are in our thoughts.
Bob and Diana Carter
Bob Carter
My Prayers and thoughts go out to Lacy's family at this time.
Elsie Akers
Evelyn & Frances, I am so sorry to hear about Lacy's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joan Strutton
Gail and family, I am so very sorry for the loss of Ray. May God give you peace and comfort. With love,
Sarah Crowder McClure
Gail, I am so sorry! I think so often of seeing y'all at the he Flea Market. What fun we had comparing the deals we found! Love you. Merrilee
Merrilee Massey
Rest well my friend, I will so miss my visits with you, I never told you but they were more for me than you. I will cherish my back yard because everything back there you built for me, heck even the bookcase in my office. Ray you were more a daddy than a friend, and I will always carry you in my heart. Gail, Tammy, and Bill my prayers go out to you as you go thru the days ahead.
Buzzy and Beth Lawson
Thoughts and prayers; God bless you all.
Stephanie Roberson
Sam, Sissy, Willard, Frances and family - I am so sorry for the loss of your brother, Ray. Remembering all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sarah Talley Pierce
Oh, Tammy! How we were looking for hope and reassurance! I care for you and your family and know that God will provide you with His love and support. Love, Joyce
Joyce Price
Gail I am truly sorry for your and your families loss. Ray was one of the finest men I have ever met. My prayers are with you and the family. I am in another state. If I were home I would be there and be with you in person. If I can be of any help to you in the future all you need do is call. Thinking of you.
Clarence Rogers
Clarence Rogers
Dear Gail and Family All, Please know that we are thinking and praying for you in your loss!! May our Lord ease the pain! Marvin and Audrey
Marvin/Audrey Cash
Frances and Family You are in my thoughts and prayers. Let Light Perpetual Shine Up Ray. Charles Wray, Jr. St. Luke's Episcopal Church Eden NC
Charles Wray Jr.
Gail and family,
Our sincere sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless and comfort you.
Pat and Don Matheson
Pat Matheson
Gail, We are sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Mike & Robin Thacker
Ray was a great friend.Our prayers are with Ray's family
Mike and Agnes Hensley
Gail and family. So sorry to hear of Ray passing. You both were great friends and classmates. A great couple. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brenda and Jack
Brenda Purdy Hearne
I am sorry for your loss. Ray was a wonderful person always ready to do what he could. Praying for all of you. Harriett
Harriett Smith
My heart goes out to this beautiful family as they grieve the loss of their wonderful husband and father. I spent many days at their home and was always made to feel at home. Gail, Tammy and Bill my prayers are with you. Evelyn,Sonny and Jeff you are in our prayers also as heaven has gained another Angel.
Jeff Hale & Linda Woods
Gail & family, I'm sorry to hear of your husband's passing. You are in my prayers, love in Christ, Nancy Raines.
Nancy Raines
Leave A Condolence Below For The Family Of Lacy Ray Lewis:Fill out the form below and Fair Funeral Home will forward this message to the deceased's family and post it on our website. All condolences are reviewed for content before being posted live.
Born: Monday Aug 16, 1943
