Lewis Mize, 68, of Emerald Isle passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2016 due to a tragic accident in Rockingham. He was born in Sanford, and grew up on a farm near Anderson Creek in a large, loving, and hardworking family. He graduated from Anderson Creek High School and UNC-Chapel Hill in Pharmacy, and served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, a recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Leonard Mize, and is survived by his mother, Eunice Rambeau Mize Stopes, his wife, Joyce Long Mize, 9 younger siblings: Eddie Mize and wife Joan of Dunn, Johnnie Mize and wife Carol of Raleigh, Jerry Mize and wife Ann of Spivey's Corner, Roger Mize of Coats, Linda Holderfield and husband Earl of Smithfield, Gail Owens of Coats, Becky Williams of Benson, Peggy Sasser and husband C.L. of Greenville, SC and Shelia Beaston of Lillington, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and in-laws.

Lewis loved his family and friends so much, and with his kind and generous spirit, was constantly helping and doing for others. He could fix anything. He loved nature, and being and working outdoors. He never met a stranger. Lew was loved and cherished by all who knew him, and he will be very sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Anderson Creek High School Alumni Association for their scholarship program at 1133 Shady Grove Rd., Spring Lake, NC 28390 or to the Buddy Backpack Program, PO Box 123, Olivia, NC 28368.

There will be a visitation on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 from 2:00-4:00 PM at O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home, 1310 S. Main St., Lillington, NC 27546.