John Earle "Jack" Lewis

John Earle Lewis, "Jack" CAMDEN, SC - John Earle "Jack" Lewis, son of the late David Sloan Lewis and Reuben Walton, passed away on Monday, June 28, 2010, at the age of 87 in Camden. Mr. Lewis was born in Charleston July 10, 1922, and later moved to Columbia. He attended Clemson University before enlisting in the US Army Air Forces to fight in World War II. Recruited by the famed Colonel Philip Cochran from fighter training, Jack Lewis became a C-47 pilot in the 10th Air Force, 1st Air Commando Group that ferried the famed British commandos nicknamed the "Chindits." In late 1944 he transitioned back into fighters with the 80th Fighter Group in the China-Burma-India Theater, where he flew P-47 Thunderbolts; Major Lewis won 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 3 Air Medals, and the Presidential Unit Citation with Oak Leaf for extraordinary heroism. He became one of the original stunt pilots in the newly formed United States Air Force in 1947. This aerobatics unit later became known as the Thunderbirds. After leaving the Air Force, Mr. Lewis worked in the insurance industry until his retirement. He is survived by his wife, Betty Jane, and children, Bob Lewis and wife, Diane, of Mount Pleasant; Carey Lewis Arban, of Atlanta; daughter-in-law, Inge Lewis, of Columbia; Pamela Mosier, Chip Mosier, Mac Mosier and wife Cameron, all of Camden; Anne Chapman Jeter and husband, Al, of Spartanburg; ten grandchildren; one great-grandson; and his beloved dog, Sophie. He was predeceased by his son, John Lewis, of Columbia; brother, David Lewis, of Charleston; and sister, Lucy Lewis Deerin, of St. Augustine, FL. Jack was an avid Clemson fan and will always be remembered not only as a brave fighter pilot, but also as a man with a charming sense of humor, an unparalleled zest for life and a real love for animals. He was a true blessing to all who knew him. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, July 1, 2010, at Bethesda Presbyterian Church, with Reverend Gene Rollins officiating. Family will receive friends in the John Knox Hall one hour prior to the service from 2:00 - 3:00 PM. Memorials may be made to the Walter M. Crowe Animal Shelter, 460 Fair Street, Camden, SC 29020. Kornegay Funeral Home Camden Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the Lewis family by visiting www.kornegayfuneral.com Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/deaths