Thomas Evans "Tom" Lewis

New Bern

Thomas Evans "Tom" Lewis, 81, of Washington Post Road, New Bern, NC, died on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at his home.

Tom was born in Rocky Mount, NC, on October 3, 1934, to the late Johnny Thomas Lewis and Carolyn Fryer Lewis.

Tom grew up in Rocky Mount where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout with 39 Merit Badges. Much of his youth was spent in New Bern. After graduating from New Bern High School in 1953, he studied music at both East Carolina College in Greenville, NC, and at George Peabody College in Nashville, TN, and later continued his studies at Stuttgart University in Stuttgart, Germany, and at Berlin University in Berlin as well as post-graduate studies with the American Symphony Orchestra League.

Tom got his start as a Symphony Orchestra Conductor while touring with the famous 7th Army Symphony in Germany. He returned to the US to complete his 38-year career as Music Director and Conductor for orchestras in Charlotte, NC, Roswell, NM, Rochester, MN, Tulsa, OK, and Sioux City, IA.

Always an advocate for music education in the schools, he worked closely with colleges, public schools, and community programs on the local and national level to encourage interest in music and to keep music education in schools.

After his retirement from conducting in 1995, he returned to New Bern, NC, to focus on a writing career which culminated in nine published novels and a book of short stories for which he won acclaim and many awards.

Tom enjoyed working with aspiring writers and often visited schools and youth groups to encourage and promote reading and writing. He was frequently a guest lecturer for book clubs and community groups.

Tom was a veteran of the US Army, a former member of the American Symphony Orchestra League, Vice President and Member of the Conductors Guild of America. He was a member of Phi Mu Alpha fraternity at both East Carolina College and George Peabody College, a member of Rotary International, NC Writers Network, Maxine Harker's Writing For Publication Group, Carteret Writers Inc, and Friends of Craven Library along with many other arts councils, museum boards, library boards, and music organizations. He helped organize and facilitate the first New Bern Literary Symposium. He loved sports and was an avid golfer.

He is survived by his wife, Ila M. White-Lewis of New Bern, NC, three sisters; Georgia Lewis, Linda L. David and husband Don of Albany, Oregon, and Diane L. Johnson and husband Ralph of Jamesville, NC; two sons: Erik Lewis and wife Mili of Peach Tree City, Georgia, and Tony Lewis and wife Julie and grandson, John Lewis, of Sioux City, Iowa. Step-children are: Andy White of Greenville, NC, and Alice Copeland and husband Kelly of Hertford, NC. Step grand-children; include Kelsey Booth, Jordan Garrett, Katie and Allison Copeland, Kevin Dee, and Lucas Dee.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. July 6, 2016 at Beech Grove United Methodist Church with Reverend Connie Stutts officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beech Grove United Methodist Church 1035 Washington Post Rd., New Bern, NC or to Craven County Hospice Care.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Carolina East Int. Med in Pollocksville, to Dr. Richard Gorman for his care through the years and to the staff and nurses at CCHC New Bern Cancer Care.

Online condolences can be made by visiting

cottenfuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Cotten Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News and Observer on Jun. 30, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Lewis

Sponsored by Cotten Funeral Home.

12 Entries

Susan Lempke

October 20, 2022

I am so, so sorry to hear of Tom's passing! I am ashamed that so much time has passed before I heard! I first met Tom and his wife, Ila at the Shrimp Festival in Sneads Ferry. I bought one of his books. I read that first book and I was hooked! I kept in touch with Ila and found Tom and Ila every year at the Mum Fest and bought a new book each time. One time I called Ila and arranged to meet Tom at the Mexican Restaurant to pick up a book and get it signed. I drove to New Bern and bought 2 books and had him sign them. I remember talking to Ila and hearing the bad news that Tom had cancer and he wasn't feeling too well. They wouldn't be at the Mum Fest. I kept in touch for a good while. I had alot of medical issues and surgery going on, and I lost the business card I had with Tom and Ila's phone number on it. Time passed so fast. I often thought of Tom and Ila and wondered how they were doing. I am very old fashioned and don't do social media or much online stuff. I was sitting here thinking of Tom and Ila. I finally looked up Tom, and my heart was broken to find his obituary, and to find that he passed on my husband's birthday, 6 years ago. I can't believe it's been that long. Ila, if you read this, my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry I haven't been in touch! I am the girl from Sneads Ferry that chased you and Tom down so many times to say hello and to get a book. Ila, it's been a long while, and to you, an eternity, I'm sure. You are still in my thoughts and prayers. Please contact me!
Love and Prayers
Susan Lempke

Ron Harris

May 29, 2017

Sad that I just learned (2017) of Tom's death. He started his interest in music at my Uncle Leonard Harris' Conservatory of Music in Rocky Mount, NC. I would have liked to discuss his experiences there.

John labrune

January 29, 2017

I recently learned of Toms passing on one of my trips back to Sioux City. What a blessing Tom was to me, teaching me not only how to rig and sail my sailboat, in Yankton,SD, but in other life challenges as well. I shall never forget Tom for his generosity of time and expertise helped me along my path in life.
May God Bless Tom and his family.

Richard Contiguglia

December 26, 2016

I googled Tom's name in hopes of being able to tell him personally that I just came upon a cassette of Max Bruch's Concerto for two pianos and orchestra that he conducted on Feb. 7, 1982, with the Sioux City Symphony. My brother John and I were the piano soloists. The quality of the orchestral playing and of Tom's conducting are exemplary. Tom was one of America's finest 'home grown' conductors. How sad it was for me to stumble upon his obituary instead and to read nothing in his guest book about his musical achievements! John and I are grateful for our collaboration and will treasure this memento of our sharing the stage with him and his orchestra in Sioux City almost 35 years ago.

Mildred Farrior

July 9, 2016

I first met Tom at the Carteret Writers annual awards banquet, May 2015. He won two awards that night, and once I read his entries, I could see why. Later, when he joined our Carteret Fiction Writers group, I was impressed by his kindness and eye for detail when critiquing my work. My sincere condolences to his family. I will miss him.

Norm Kenneally

July 8, 2016

Fellow Word Weavers who have known Tom from our Webb Library activities have spoken for me. Born just ahead of Tom, this novice especially enjoyed his clever use of humor in his writings. His "Love Knows No Boundaries" will be with me as long as I am able to share a funny story with family and friends. God bless you, Tom Lewis. You have been, and will continue to be missed.

Gwen Hepner

July 8, 2016

I had the pleasure of being a member of Tom's writing critique group in Morehead City, and I was always blown away by his fabulous writing! Even though I've known Tom for just a short period of time, I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family--

Lawrence Lilienthal

July 8, 2016

Mr. Lewis was an inspiration to me.I always looked forward to spend time with him at The Webb Library. He will be missed. RIP.

Janet Hartman

July 8, 2016

I was so sorry to see this today. I met Tom only last year. He was a kind gentleman and a great asset to Carteret Writers for the short time he was with us. The Word Weavers group continues to miss him.

Lea Ward

July 4, 2016

Ila Grey, I just heard of Tom's passing this afternoon. I am so sorry. My prayers are with you. If you need anything, I'm just down the road.

Carolyn Gaskill Osgood

July 4, 2016

Have known Ila Grey and Tom for a long time. Have always admired Tom's accomplishments & intellect--a true genius

My sincere sympathy to you , Ila Grey
Love, your college & lifelong friend

Pat & Mack The UPS Store

July 2, 2016

Ila, May you find peace, comfort and hope in this time of sorrow. We have fond memories of Tom over the years. He will be missed by many family and friends.

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