Howard C. LEWIS

LEWIS, Howard C.Went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 10, 2011. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; by his parents, Charlie P. Lewis and Clara Cole Lewis and by two of his three siblings, Hazel Lewis Gentry and Horace Lewis. He is survived by his sons, Lindy Lewis and Jim Lewis; grandchildren, Rachel (Scott) Graves, Jessica Lewis and Jordan Lewis to whom he was affectionately known as "Howie", and also survived by his beloved older sister, Reba Lewis Stamps. Howard graduated from Cookeville High School in May, 1941 and moved to Old Hickory where he began a 41 1/2 year career with DuPont, retiring in 1982 as cashier and paymaster. Howard joined the U. S. Army in early 1942, shortly after Pearl Harbor, and did not return home from overseas until Christmas day, 1945. He served primarily in the Third Army and fought in all major campaigns including North Africa, Italy, Normandy, and the Battle of the Bulge. He was temporarily assigned to the 279th Infantry where he fought at the infamous Battle of Metz. Upon returning home, Howard married his life long sweetheart, Frances Virginia Washington of Nashville in 1946 and living first in Inglewood before moving to Madison in 1959, where they resided until their deaths. Howard and Virginia celebrated 64 years of marriage in June, 2010. Howard was actively involved in the Madison Community serving as Treasurer for Madison Pee Wee Football and helping build the Madison Little League Park along with mentoring young high school students in Junior Achievement. He was also a fifty-five year member of Eastwood Christian Church where he served in a variety of capacities including Deacon and boys basketball coach. Howard also provided game statistics for Coach Bill Brimm, color commentator for Madison High School football radio broadcasts. Though Howard never again resided in Cookeville after leaving in 1941, he forever maintained affection for his hometown. He was honored this past July 6th by the Mayor and citizens of Cookeville proclaiming it "Howard Lewis Day" where he was given the Key to the City and recognized for his service to country and community. Visitation will be Monday at Madison Funeral Home from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 11 a.m. until services at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Madison Funeral Home with Rev. Jay Hartley officiating. Interment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with military honors. Honorary pallbearers include; Billy Bennett, O. J. Cline, Robert (Soapy) Frech, Henry Terry Lewis, Jimmy Lewis, Ralph Perrin, L. D. (Bill) Williams and Wheeler Woodruff. Active Pallbearers include; Scott Alsobrooks, Joe Dyer, Jordan Lewis, Scott Lewis, Steve Lewis, Matthew O'Connell, Michael O'Connell, Mike Suggs and Ryan Suggs. Online tributes madisonfuneralhome.net MADISON FUNERAL HOME, (615) 868-9020.
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Published in The Tennessean on September 11, 2011