James "Gene" E. Lewis, Jr.

James Eugene “Gene” Lewis Jr., of Buies Creek had the great honor of meeting his Maker, Redeemer and Friend on Friday, August 23, 2019.  After a well fought battle against lung and heart issues, he valiantly stepped into his King’s presence and received the well earned decorations of a heroic soldier.

Gene lived up to his nick name BIG Gene.  He was larger than life.  No opportunity to Think Big and to encourage others was ever passed up.  In earthly terms he was defined as a shop teacher, an award winning salesman, a motivator and a mentor.  In each area he excelled beyond even his loftiest goals.  His success grew from his genuine desire to help people realized their dreams and aspirations.  The number of lives he impacted cannot be counted.  One byproduct of this was the number of friendships he developed.  He never shied away from a chance to make a new friend or grow a friendship deeper.

His grander callings were as a husband and a father. He and Frances were married 55+ years.  In that time they had weathered storms and sailed on paradise’s waters.  Their commitment to each other remained steady no matter the circumstance.  She was always his number one girl and he showed it in his care and protection of her.  Their union produced two children – Gina and Gene.  Gene was father, daddy, dad, pop and mentor.  His investment of personal time and focused energy yielded two adults he believed in and was so proud of.  He also enjoyed the blessing of two grandsons – Ian and Caleb.  They inspired him as much as he inspired them. 

By far his greatest calling was that of being a child of God.  His relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was his greatest treasure and he shared it freely with everyone he encountered.  With God as his guide he stepped through doors of opportunity to share the Gospel with people down the street and around the world.  Heaven’s roll has increased because of Gene.  There is no greater epitaph.

Those closest to him remaining here are his wife, Frances Perry Lewis; Daughter & Son-in-Law Gina and Harold Smith; Son & Daughter-in-Law Gene and Patricia Lewis; Grandsons Ian and Caleb Smith; Brothers Lyle and Deamous Lewis and their families; and Sister-in-Law Peggy Wilson.  Those who greeted him in his new home are his parents James E. Lewis Sr. and Gettie Robbins Lewis; and countless friends.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, August 25, 2019 at Buies Creek 1st Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Sowers officiating. The family will receive friends after the service in the church fellowship hall.

Those wishing to memorialize him are asked, in lieu of flowers, to make donations to the Missions Fund at Buies Creek 1st Baptist Church – PO Box 160, Buies Creek, NC 27506.

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