Herman L. Lewis, age 91, Patriot (WWII and Korean War Navy), devoted husband of 71 years(Geneva Lewis), father of Greg (Jennifer) Lewis and Teresa (Jay) Wing, grandfather of Jessica (Chad) Lewis Luck, Becca A. Lewis, Elizabeth Lewis, and Sam Wing, and great-grandfather of Fletcher Lewis Luck, died on Sunday, April 8, 2018 at Maury Regional Medical Center with his children at his side.
Herman, his wife, Geneva, and their unborn son, Greg, came to Columbia on Mule Day 1950 from his home in Lexington, Tennessee to work in the phosphate industry. In 1954, he became one of the first employees at Union Carbide. His daughter, Teresa, was born the same year as the 12th baby born at Maury Regional Hospital.
If you asked Herman what he loved to do most, he would tell you he loved to work. He started Maury Fence Company in 1964. His son, Greg, joined the family business, Maury Products, Inc. in 1975. Teresa joined him in 1996 and remained with him until he retired in 2008 at the age of 82. His work ethic lives on today in his children and grandchildren.
Herman joined Highland Park Baptist Church when they arrived in Columbia where he served in many positions including deacon and greeter. He had an unofficial seat in the back of the church reserved for him to watch over kids misbehaving and adults talking too much.
He enjoyed spending time with friends around town, stopping by their shops for a period of conversation or by a friend’s garden when tomatoes and turnips were coming in. His favorite place to set a spell was at Bucky’s Restaurant, where he joined friends around the “Table of Knowledge,” sharing the news of the day or spinning a tale or two.
In addition to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandson, Herman is survived by sisters Katherine Roberts (Lexington, TN) and Doris Hollowell (Jackson, TN) and brothers Jack Lewis and Jerry Lewis (Lexington, TN). He was preceded in death by his parents, Orvie and Lizzie Lewis and siblings, William “Dood” Lewis, Mary Lou McDaniel, Jane Woods, Wayne Lewis, Brenda Weatherford and Patricia Lewis. He leaves behind an abundance of nieces and nephews and their children.
Pallbearers will be Roy Porter, Jay Wing, Sam Wing, Roger Peters, Tim Flowers and Buddy Kennedy. Honorary Pallbearers are Highland Park Baptist Church Deacons, Bucky’s “Table of Knowledge,” Allen Elias, Jerry Phares, John Lynn, Sam Beddingfield, Faye and Don Craft, Gideons International, American Legion Post 19, and caregiver Annie Warfield.
Herman did not like planning anything. He always said, “whatever you think is good for me.” That said, a Celebration of Life has been planned to begin with visitation on Saturday, April 14, 2018, from 4-8 at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee. The Celebration of Life will continue with a service on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at 2:00pm. Friends are invited to join his family at Williams Funeral Home for the ceremony followed by a military graveside service at Polk Memorial Gardens. Dinner will be provided afterwards by his friends at Highland Park Baptist Church at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Herman’s honor to the Highland Park Baptist Church Building Fund.
Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.williamsfh.com.
