Walter Robert Lewis, 88, of Winston-Salem, entered into God’s loving arms on July 20, 2025, following a courageous three-year battle with acute myeloid leukemia.
Born on February 28, 1937, in Long Branch, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Benjamin Carl Lewis and Dollie Hartsell Lewis. After graduating from high school in 1955, Walter served in the United States Air Force beginning in 1956, stationed in Wichita Falls, Texas. In 1960, he began his career in sales with Missouri Pacific Railroad, later merging with Union Pacific Railroad, where he retired as District Sales Manager.
Walter is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Mary Bess Lewis; his daughter, Terri Lewis Oakley (Phil) of Lewisville; his granddaughter, Ryan Oakley Holland (Simon) of Clemmons; and his beloved great-grandson, Luke Emanuel Holland. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Lewis, and sister-in-law, Barbara Lewis. Walter is fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews, including his nephew Jack (Linda) Lewis, whose constant love and care were a great comfort to him. He is also survived by Bess’s sister, Kathy Enos (Tommy).
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel, with Pastor Seth Brown officiating. Interment will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:30 PM until 2:00 PM prior to the service.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Dugan and his team at Novant Health Hematology Clinic for taking such wonderful care of Walter during his illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Novant Health Hematology Clinic c/o Novant Health Foundation in remembrance of Walter R. Lewis.
1701 S. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff and volunteers at Trinity Elms Assisted Living for their compassionate care and support for Walter and his family.
Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com (http://www.hayworth-miller.com/).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3315 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27103


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