Austin Lewis Ph.D.

Austin Lewis, PhD., teacher of philosophy and insatiable lover of family, friends and life itself, went on before us late in the afternoon of Monday, June 30, 2008 in Milwaukee, WI. He was lovingly attended in his last weeks of declining health by his friend and companion Sue Lamb of Milwaukee and a circle of devoted friends and supporters. These were joined in his final days and at his peaceful passing by sister, Jeannie Jessup, brother-in- law Julian Jessup, and brother, David. They, along with sister-in-law, Beth Lewis, nephews, Ryan and Patrick Jessup, nieces, Liz and Mary Lewis, numerous close cousins, the Galvan family of Bayview, WI and a wide circle of friends and co- workers now wait to laugh, sail and dance with him again somewhere over the rainbow.
Austin was born May 1, 1951 in Louisville, KY, son of the late Dr. John M. and Jean M. Lewis. Austin spent most of his formative years in Raleigh, NC where his father completed his career as minister, teacher and theologian with a 27-year pastorate at First Baptist Church. Austin continued his parents' efforts to break down social barriers and exhibit personal tolerance of others. He challenged social conventions with youthful enthusiasm but always with a genuine interest in others. He was an independent thinker, known for his effectiveness in engendering students' interest in philosophy for over 25 years. His teaching was marked by energetic humor and practical scholarship. He taught at Georgia State University, Texas A&M, Skidmore College and SUNY Potsdam. But for the past nine years at Marquette University and along the shores of Lake Michigan he found his best living and, now, his final resting place. He enjoyed sailing from the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center. He was an enthusiastic member-leader of the Milwaukee swing dance community from which he drew and contributed great joy and fashioned many ever-lasting friendships. He remained devoted to his many childhood haunts in Raleigh, Morehead City and Ridgecrest, NC. Because of his excessive collection of personal photos, furniture and family artifacts, those of us who wait to be with him again will enjoy his continuing presence in the meantime. His Milwaukee friends and colleagues celebrated Austin's life there in July.
Austin earned his Associate Degree with honors from Sandhills Community College. He earned his BA, MA and PhD from Emory University in Atlanta where he also was named a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
A celebration of Austin's life and spirit will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2008, beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church at 99 N. Salisbury Street in Raleigh. Those wishing to memorialize Austin otherwise are asked to contribute to the American Cancer Society by calling 800-227-2345.