ROGER LEWIS JR.

10-4-27, that was the way Mr. Roger Lewis, Jr. answered when asked his date of birth. It noted the beginning of an active and fruitful effort towards a better quality of life for all.

Roger Lewis, Jr. was born in Philadelphia, PA, but he grew up in Dinwiddie County, VA. He attended the public school in Virginia where he graduated from Dinwiddie County Training School. Roger also spent time in the military and received a Honorable Discharged in 1943. After leaving military service, he pursued training in Auto Mechanics at the Virginia State College Trade School (presently known as Virginia State University). Upon completion of trade school he acquire employment at Camp Pickett. Later Roger was hired as a mechanic for the United States Post Office, where he remained employed until his retirement. Upon retirement, Roger received the United States Postal Service Award on January 1, 1988.

He possessed a strong belief in God that he expressed in his own way. Roger worked diligently and faithfully at First Baptist Church until his heath declined. He served in various ways. Roger was an active member of the Male Usher Board, Food Service Committee and the Monday Evening Bible Study Class. In addition he served as Financial Teller and Roger trained youth in the church on the Children's Ushers Board. In 2016, he received the Senior Citizens Honoree Award. Many lives have been touched in a positive way by having known Roger Lewis, Jr.

Roger was preceded in death by his father, Roger Lewis, Sr.; mother, Ruth Cole Bland; sister and brother-in-law, Annie and Reuben Howard, Sr.

He is survived by his wife, Carrie Hines Lewis; three children from previous marriages Carlton Lewis of Buffalo, NY, Carolyn Lewis Robinson of South Chesterfield, and a step-daughter, Paula Farrell (Dr. Walter) of Chapel Hill, NC; three grandchildren, Tamara King (William) of Midlothian, Apryll Robinson of Chester, and Keni Robinson of Petersburg; four great grandchildren; one niece, Debra Harvell (Jerry) of Virginia Beach; two nephews, Roger Anthony Howard of Petersburg, and Reuben Howard, Jr. (Maxine) of South Chesterfield; a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Service for Mr. Roger Lewis, Jr. will be held 11 a.m., Monday, January 22, 2018 at First Baptist Church, 236 Harrison Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Tillman, eulogist. Interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

The family will assemble 10:30 a.m. the day of the service at the church.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Lewis at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.