Kenneth Earl Lewis

Kenneth Earl Lewis, 82, retired United States Army, passed away peacefully on March 14 at his home in Clemson, SC. The beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend was born September 15, 1931 in Knoxville, TN, son of the late Byron Smith and Hildred Houser. Ken, as he was known, served more than 20 years in the Army attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class and becoming a Registered Nurse at Madigan Army Medical Center outside Tacoma, WA. During his career, he served at bases around the world, including Fort Jackson, SC; West Point, NY; Fort Lewis, WA; Fort Rucker, AL; Fort McPherson, GA; Wurzburg and Darmstadt, Germany; and Camp Beavers along the Korean DMZ. After retirement from the military, he enjoyed a long career in physical therapy in the Atlanta, GA, area. He lived in upstate South Carolina from 1999. Ken loved music, singing in particular. Whether gathered around the piano at a family reunion, directing a church choir, or crooning solo at home, Ken spread his joy to those around him. He also loved sports. He competed in football, diving, and softball. Officiated several sports into his 60's. Was a dedicated Tennessee Volunteers fan. And coached football, basketball, and baseball as part of his often tireless work with youth groups. Mr. Lewis grew up in Knoxville's Lonsdale neighborhood and attended Rule High School. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Geraldine Rucker, daughter Penny Lisa and her husband Robert Mussro of Baton Rouge, LA, son Kenneth Byron and his wife Kimberly Cable of Boston, MA, son Temple Dudley and his wife Cynthia Jenkins of Locust Grove, GA, five grandchildren, two- great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and five siblings: Joann Skeen of Seymour, TN; Rev. Dr. W. David of Knoxville, Byron S. "Barney" of Maryville, TN, Rosemary Harris of Covington, GA, and Susan of Hampton, GA. Mr. Lewis grew up in Knoxville's Lonsdale neighborhood and attended Rule High School. A private memorial service will take place March 18 at 1pm at M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson, SC.