Nov
24
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home
320 West 7th Street, Columbia, TN 38401
Send FlowersNov
24
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home
320 West 7th Street, Columbia, TN 38401
Send FlowersServices provided by
Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home - ColumbiaOnly 21 hours left for delivery to next service.
James Earl Lewis, 87, a resident of Culleoka, TN, died Friday, November 21, 2025 at NHC HealthCare Oakwood in Lewisburg.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday, November 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Brother Luke Beagly officiating. Burial will follow in Friendship Cemetery with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM Monday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.
He was born on July 3, 1938 in Memphis, TN to the late Thomas Sidney “T.S.” Lewis and the late Hester Gertrude Neagle Roberts. He served two years in the United States Navy, stationed at Treasure Island, San Francisco, California. James had many interests over the years; loved fishing, an avid reader of Louis L’Amour novels, woodworking, gardening, lawn care, painting, drawing, outdoors, and tending to goats and chickens. He was of the Baptist faith and was a song leader in many churches over the years.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Stella Fleming Lewis of Culleoka; two sons, James B. Lewis (Cindy) of Walker, Louisiana and Charlie D. Lewis (Vickie) of Culleoka; seven grandchildren, Heather Baker (Wesley), Christopher Vise, Neil Vise, Melanie Stewart (Shawn), Wendy Harvey (Tyler), Amanda Green, and Coty Davis (Keishia); two sisters in law, Dorothy Phillips (Reg) of Grand Prairie, Texas and Pat Fleming of New Smyrna, Florida; several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Charles, Harold, Jane, Kathleen, and Florence.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff of NHC HealthCare Oakwood and Caris Healthcare for their care.
320 West 7th Street, Columbia, TN 38401

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreNov
24
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home
320 West 7th Street, Columbia, TN 38401
Send FlowersNov
24
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home
320 West 7th Street, Columbia, TN 38401
Send FlowersServices provided by
Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home - ColumbiaOnly 21 hours left for delivery to next service.