Louis Sewell, Jr.

Louis W. Sewell, Jr., age 81, passed away Friday, October 14, 2016, at his Jacksonville, NC home, surrounded by his loving family.
Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Susie Rawls Sewell. He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Doris; twin children, Billy Sewell and wife Julee of Jacksonville and Paula Sewell of Wilmington and daughter, Betty Cole and husband Tommy of Winston-Salem; grandchildren, Cameron and William Bailey, Charles and James Sewell, Jennifer Cudd, David and Jesse Cole; great-grandchildren, Piper and Cameron Cudd; brother, John R. Sewell and wife Genie of Jacksonville; and a niece, Susie Sewell of Wilmington.
After his graduation from Jacksonville High School in 1953, Louis attended University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and later graduated from East Carolina University. He received his master's degree in Education from East Carolina University. In 1971, while serving as principal of Northwoods Park Junior High School in Jacksonville, Louis made a decision that would change his and his family's life forever.
He made a modest investment in childhood friend, James Maynard's dream of developing a steakhouse chain. Golden Corral was soon born! Louis became a founding Director of Investors Management Corporation, the corporate parent of Golden Corral, where he served until his retirement in 2015.
In 1974, Louis left his position as principal of Northwoods Park Junior High and joined Golden Corral in an executive capacity. His involvement during the next few years was instrumental in helping Golden Corral grow into a national chain of 500 restaurants. He founded Coastal Equipment Company that still operates in Jacksonville today.
Louis was also heavily involved in civic affairs in Jacksonville and Onslow County. He served many years on the Onslow County Hospital Authority. During his tenure, he served as Chairman of the Onslow Hospital Authority. He also served on the Onslow ABC Board during the 1970's. Louis served in the administration of two Governors.
In 1981, Louis was appointed by Governor James B. Hunt to serve on the NC State Board of Transportation. He later served on the Board of Transportation during the Easley administration from 2001-2008. His service on the Board of Transportation was instrumental in getting highway improvements in Jacksonville and Onslow County, which have given rise to incredible economic growth. In 2006, he was recognized and honored by the City of Jacksonville when the new bridge over the New River was named the Louis W. Sewell, Jr. Bridge. He also served on the East Carolina University Board of Trustees.
Through his generosity, Louis was benefactor to many charitable causes in and around Jacksonville and Onslow County.
We would like to offer a special "thank-you" to Dr. Deborah Miller and her staff for their wonderful medical care for Louis.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville and a memorial service will be 11 am, Wednesday, October 19, 2016 in the funeral home chapel. In memoriam, the family requests a donation to an Onslow County charity of your choice.
Electronic condolences may be left for the family at www.jonesfh.org or JDNews.com.