John Gilliam Lewis was born April 5, 1927, in Soldier, Kentucky in Carter County, the son of Thomas and Ethel (Gilliam) Lewis and departed this life on October 20, 2018, at the age of 91.
In 1945, he was drafted into the Armed Forces under the Army Air Corps. John served three years, one year in Germany, performing heavy transportation. He was converted in 1952 and served the Lord till he departed this life. He was a member of Mansfield Holiness Chapel where he served as Sunday school Superintendent, Song Leader and Lay Leader. He moved to the Mansfield area in 1956. John retired on October 31, 1989, from Empire Detroit Steel after 34 years of service.
He was married to Virgie Dowdy on December 11, 1948, and they had one son, John David Lewis. They were married for over 38 years until her passing on September 14, 1987. On April 23, 1988, he married Avanelle Sergent and they were married nine years. She passed away on January 17, 1997. He married Mary Jones on October 18, 1997.
John is survived by his wife of 21 years, Mary Lewis; son, John David Lewis; a sister, Linda Johnson; a special niece, Joyce Queer; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; six sisters, Mary Josephine Barker, Margaret Madgeline Steed, Faynette Stewart, Wilma Jean Bishop, Fostella Pearson and Ruby Bradley; a brother, Denver Ray Lewis; his first wife, Virgie Lewis; and his second wife, Avanelle Lewis.
The family will receive friends from 2:00-6:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 23, 2018, at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor David Ferrell and Rev. William Cantlebarry officiating. He will be laid to rest in Oak Grove Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made in care of the family.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.wappner.com
