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J.D. Lewis Obituary
Funeral service will be held on 12-noon Saturday, February 24, 2007 at First Baptist Church, 101 South Wilmington Street in Raleigh. Internment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.
His survivors include: son. J.D. Lewis III and wife, Alyne of Stuart, FL; daughters, Evelyn A. Lewis of Davis, CA, Yvonne Lewis Holley of Raleigh, Pat Lewis Waddell and husband, Fred of Goldsboro; son, Leonard Lee Lewis and wife, Tayloria of Raleigh; nine grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Friday, February 23, 2007 from 7-8:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church. The remains will lie in state at First Baptist Church from 12:00 Noon to 7 p.m. on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Garner Road Family YMCA, 2235 Garner Road, Raleigh, NC 27610.
Professional services for our dearly departed loved one have been entrusted to Lightner Funeral Home, 312 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Raleigh, N.C. (919) 833-1676.
E-condolences may be sent to LightnerFuneralbellsouth.net
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for J.D. Lewis
Diana Haywood
February 28, 2007
My prayers are with you. My friends and I always enjoyed watching Mr. Lewis on Saturdays, it was always an appointment in our home.
Be blessed,
Minister Diana Haywood Powell
Monique Robinson-Poole
February 27, 2007
I am in Waldorf, Maryland but a Raleigh girl. Teenage Frolics was one of a kind and a saving grace for teens! I am sad but happy to know of JD Lewis.
Toni Richardson
February 26, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
L Chapman
February 25, 2007
To the Lewis Family, although I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Lewis, as a member of First Baptist Church, it was my pleasure to send him a "Thinking of You" card monthly. My prayers are with your family.
James & Margaret Reaves & Families
February 24, 2007
Mr.J.D. was multitalented! He always had a smile, and a way of encouranging kids in many ways.We looked forward to Saturdays.We would rush to do our chores so we could watch our favorite show, Teenage Frolics with our kids,and dance around. We will truly miss Mr.J.D. Our thoughts and prayers for strength in the days to come are extended to the family.
rev dr john stokes
February 24, 2007
I feel the loss of a part of me. For many years, here was a male firgure that came into your home and was involved in the lives of youths. His program was probably the forerunner of soul train. He will be missed. i wish my blessings upon the family.
Pam Purifoy
February 24, 2007
To the family of Mr. J.D. Lewis:
I have such fond memories working with your dad, while employed at the Garner Road Family YMCA. He was a much beloved and special Board Member there. He would tell me so many interesting stories that would leave me spellbound. Mr. Lewis was always so kind and gracious to me.....that I will never forget. I also had the pleasure of working with him and your mom on Project DIRECT when it was initially launched in SE Raleigh. Such fond memories I have of them both. May God bless you and keep you during this time of breavement.
Irving & Larah Fuller & Family
February 23, 2007
To the Lewis Family, your father will be greatly missed. I remember the times of Teenage Frolic when JD had my band, Irving Fuller and The Corvettes to play on the show. I believe each one of my daughters were all on the show at some time or another, all six of them. He was a great roll model for all of my chidren. If it were not for people like JD, I would not have had some of the exposure of the band on television. JD and I worked together for many, many years and he is a true trooper with people and he will be greatly missed. The Fuller Family will always remember you, and keep you in our prayers,may God bless you.
Josie Macklin
February 23, 2007
To the Lewis Family:
May God be with you in your time of loss. Mr. Lewis was a great pioneer and inspiration to the Black Community.
Larry Stroud, Sr.
February 23, 2007
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your father touched the lives of many people in a very special way.
Stephanie Avery
February 23, 2007
May God comfort and keep you. May His spirit be with you in the coming days.
LaVerne Fuller
February 23, 2007
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Brian McCullough
February 23, 2007
To the Lewis family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss.I too am a member of the Teenage Frolics Generation and remember seing it every Saturday.
God Bless you and your family.
Rodger P Saffold, Sr.
February 23, 2007
A special wish that your faith in God & family will guide you in the loss of your father. With deepest sympathy from my family to yours.
Sonia Anderson
February 23, 2007
Tayloria Lewis and Family~
My family & I want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during this time. May you find comfort in your memories and in the promises of your faith.
Victor W. L. Pace
February 23, 2007
Mr. Waddell, On behalf of the Fayetteville State University, Office of Alumni Affairs, we extend our sincerest condolences to you, your beloved wife, and your family. As we reflect on Mr. Lewis’ life, we give glory to God at how grateful we are for the life of a true pioneer. Please know that you and your family are, and will be, in our prayers.
Victor W. L. Pace II and Peggy Devane
February 23, 2007
Dear Fred,
May God bless you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Xenia Lopez, Fayetteville State University
Lenora Campbell
February 23, 2007
To the Lewis Family, I thank God for your father, we were blessed as children growing up in the sixties and seventies watching him on Teenage Frolics. He was an inspiration to all, which give us hope that we could be successful. We cherish those happy moments with you. We know to died in Christ is heaven's gain. May God bless and keep you.
Kathy Montgomery Gelb
February 23, 2007
Yvonne, Pat, and Family,
You have been in my thoughts all week since learning of J.D.'s passing. He and Daddy had such a strong bond of friendship from the very beginning at WRAL. It's so hard to realize that they are both gone. Both your parents were wonderful people; strong role models for all of us kids growing up. Knowing your family truly enriched my life. And through our fathers' friendship, our friendship grew all through jr. high and high school and for me that bond still remains although we rarely see one another. (Y: once things settle down, let's get together!!)
I wanted to see you this weekend, but due to prior musical commitments, I won't be able to be there. Just know you will be in my thoughts............. Love,
Joan Richardson
February 23, 2007
To The Family Of JD Lewis, JR
My thoughts and prayers goes out to his family. Eventhough I never met him personally, I knew him by watching him on Teenage Frolices and the editorial on WRAL. He was a pioneer. May GOD continue to confort you in the days to come.
Geraldine Bassett
February 23, 2007
To Yvonne Lewis Holley and Family
You are in our thoughts and prays.
Debra Johnson, Jackie Chavis & Petra Hales
February 23, 2007
Leonard & Tayloria Lewis and Family
Our Sympathy, Love and Prayers are with you and your family during your time of bereavement of your loved one. May you continue to find comfort in knowing that his memories will live on in the hearts of so many that loved him also.
Pat Yearby-Wheeler
February 23, 2007
For JD and his family....
The Journey's End
When a person reaches advanced age after having lived a full life,dying becomes almost as natural as the picking of a ripe apple or the falling of a brightly colored leaf in Autumn. The harvest has been gathered in,the journey ended,the story told. Life's tasks finished and neatly bound together like a sheaf of wheat. There is a roundness about a person's life,a sense of completion and fulfillment;and while there is sadness in him leaving us,there is a sense of worth and achievement,so much so,that the funeral becomes a celebration;he is with us today as he will always be.
God bless you and keep you always,my Dear old friend, JD. You always stood for what was right and good. For this we shall forever cherish your memory.
Diana Powell
February 22, 2007
I really enjoyed my Saturdays watching your father, but most of all I enjoyed the times that I was on the show myself. He made it so much fun for me and my friends. My prayers are with you during this time of loss, but know that God has it all in control.
Be blessed.
Sparky Brown
February 22, 2007
To the Lewis Family, My deepest sympathy and heart felt sorrow go out to you all! I will always remember his kindness,gentleness,his warm smile and commanding Voice! Always Yours,Sparky
Sharon Griffin
February 22, 2007
To the Lewis Family
Greatness is made of what your father accomplished. I watch every Saturday as a little girl on WRAL, Teenage Folices. He gave so much of himself, serving his community and remaining a strong leader of our era. Fondly Sharon R. Griffin
Wayne & Wanda Hinton
February 22, 2007
To the Lewis Family
My deepest sympathy goes out to your family. Your father was a shining star in the community and an inspiration to all us growing up. He will be missed.
Maritza Hicks
February 22, 2007
To Pat Lewis Waddell and the Lewis family.
Your father was a man of vision and integrity. He valued education and instilled in each one of you the desire to achieve. He was not only interested in his children's educational success but that of his children's friends. He did not hesitate to reprimand his children when their report card grades were not up to par and on one occasion while I was visiting you Pat, he did not hesitate to reprimand me along with you and your brother Lee,Lee when my report card grades weren't up to par.
Your father was a man of the community but also a family man. He was involved in his children's lives. He took his turn in transporting his children and their friends to their various outings.
It is only when you become an adult that you appreciate having parents who were interested in every aspect of your life; spiritual, educational and social. We viewed them then as being strict. We view them now as having been wise.
Pat and the Lewis family I extend my heartfelt sympathy to you on the loss of your father; a man whose life was well lived.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Maritza Hicks
Wayne Ballard
February 22, 2007
Pat & Fred, I would like to express my deepest sympathy & condolence to the Lewis & Waddell family. I never went to the Teenage Frolic in Raleigh but a lot of people knew Mr.Lewis from that show. Mr.J.D. Lewis was my Omega Brother & I pray he RIP and continue to spread his blessings as he has shared and opened doors for so many people throughout his life time. He will be missed. May God Bless You & Your Family doing this time of sympathy.
Peace , Love & Blessings
Brother Wayne Ballard
Cheri' Robinson-Massenburg
February 22, 2007
To: Yvonne Lewis Holley and Family
My deepest sympathy go out to you and your family. Your father will always be a great influence on those past and present who had the opportunity to know him from Teenage Frolics and WRAL. I too was in the Debutante Ball and I remember him whispering in my ear "Always Strive For The Best". Well Yvonne your father was the best and will be greatly missed.
Harold& Dalzenia Maultsby
February 22, 2007
From the Maultsby Family, please except our heart felt sympathy during your time of sorrow. Let God's deep and understanding help you through your grief for he is there to ease the pain and bring your sorrowing heart relief.
Larry Brodie
February 22, 2007
To Yvonne,I am very sorry to hear of your loss. He will be missed by many.
Bobby Rogers
February 22, 2007
It is ironic that many of the blacks who work in radio and television in the Raleigh-Durham area will not recognize his name yet today reap the benefits of the road that he trod. J. D. was the consummate professional with a hint of class that reaped of royalty. I was blessed to have been part of a generation of black communicators who emerged because he proved that we could do the job. I thank the Lewis Family for sharing him with us and I remember you in my prayers…
Bobby Rogers
Tony Bacon
February 22, 2007
Please accept my condolence. I read Mr. Lewis'obituary and was quite impressed with his life. Blessed assurances from God to your family.
Elsie Hinton
February 22, 2007
I remember Mr. J.D. Lewis from my early childhood when he and his family lived on S. Bloodworth St. near Combo’s. I remember Mr. Lewis when I think of viewing Teenage Frolics on TV and going to Chavis Heights bandstand when the show moved there. I remember his children {Evelyn in particular) as schoolmates at Crosby-Garfield. I remember Mr. Lewis as the one who granted me an interview and opportunity of employment after college. Well, that covers quite a bit of ground. Mr. J.D. Lewis will always be a part of my fond memories. Rest in peace. My thoughts and prayer for strength are extended to the family.
February 22, 2007
To the Lewis Family:
Your family is in ourprayers.
Anthony& Peggy Goodson & family
MARSHA HARRIS
February 22, 2007
OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU. STAY ENCOURAGED AND CONTINUE TO WALK IN THE LEGACY OF BLESSINGS MR. LEWIS HAS LEFT FOR YOU.
Kim Scott-Davis
February 22, 2007
Growing up in the "College Park" residental area I use to love to see Mr. Lewis driving his little "Beige Bug" home from work. He will be missed.
Dorothy (Tyler-Epps) Drummond
February 22, 2007
To Pat Lewis Waddell and Family,
I saw your Dad's obituary today and absolutely gasped! I try to stay in touch with what is happening in the Raleigh area through the newspaper, even though I have been away some 23 years. Pat, I hope you will recall me easily. We had a very nice friendship and I enjoyed our time together. Also, working at WRAL was just that much nicer having J.D. Lewis there. Like so many of the kids in Raleigh, I danced on Teenage Frolic too, but working at WRAL was a highlight in my life. You were my maid-of-honor when I married Arthur, and your sister was the gracious lender of her wedding gown.(That may jar your memory some). It is always hard to express one's heart when a family member passes on, but please know I sincerely wish and pray for your heartache to be lightened and please give my condolences to the rest of your family. Bless you and yours is my prayer. I hold dear all the fond memories that you and your father are very much a part of. Much love! Dorothy
Veronica Dixon Wall
February 22, 2007
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
Mr. Lewis surely fulfilled his purpose in the wonderful example he left for us on how to live a life that matters. He has left a great impression on many lives as well as the communities he affected.
You all are in our prayers.
Rand family
February 22, 2007
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
jannette coleridge-taylor
February 22, 2007
My deepest sympathy to your family.
Vivian Holloway Phinizy
February 22, 2007
My prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
Pamela and Singleton Newman
February 22, 2007
To Yvonne Lewis Holley and Family:
We offer our deepest sympathy and send our love to you and your family. May God give you comfort.
Pamela and Singleton Newman
February 22, 2007
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ann Joseph
February 21, 2007
I too have fond memories of my sister, friends and I dancing on "Teenage Frolics". Mr. Lewis was always kind to us kids. But I will never forget being in the Debutante Ball and Mr. Lewis served as "Master of Cermonies". Just before each one of us took the stage for our debut, he whispered a encouraging word to each and everyone of us. He was indeed a positive role model for young people in the triangle. My condolences and may God bless your family.
Betty Chavis
February 21, 2007
I will always remember watching teenage frolic every saturday on tv. I wish to extend my condolences to the J.D. Lewis Family. May God Bless you.
Roman and Ada J. Walton
February 21, 2007
We deeply regret the passing of such an outstanding leader in many fields. When I was a student at Shaw J.D. supported a doo-wop group which we tried to form. He lent his equipment and advice as we perserered. He was a very kind and gracious man. He also gave me and another friend a free ride to the "Dixie Classics" in Washington in 1958. The family has our sympathy.
jacqueline campbell
February 21, 2007
I remember my teen years at Teenage Frolics and the good times we had during the show. Take your rest Mr. Lewis and may God bless.
David R. Byrd
February 21, 2007
Everything which happens is part of God's Eternal Plan,
but blessings come in many ways that sometimes we can't see.
My prayers are with you at this time in your lives. May God's blessings touch your heart.
Louis Alexander Jr.
February 21, 2007
My mother, Juanita Alexander, worked at channel 5 T.V. many years as receptionist including the Teenage Frolics years and my sister, Faye and I were almost always there on those Saturdays. J.D. was always one of my favorite people at the station and he will be sorely missed by more people than you will ever know.
Louis Alexander Jr.
P. Pullen
February 21, 2007
To the Lewis family, I wish to extend my condolences to you all at this time. Mr. Lewis was a friend and fraternity brother of my father, Howard Pullen. I have such fond memories of them at Quarterback meetings and Chavis Park. Your dad was both a positive role model and a pioneer to many of Raleigh's youth. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God continue to bless each and every one of you.
Diane Johnson
February 21, 2007
I will always remember him when watching the dance show on saturdays. That was a time when t.v. was decent to watch and the kids always had a great time with J.D. Lewis as their host. Dance on J.D.
John " Johnny-Red " Williams
February 21, 2007
To The Lewis Jr. Family. Your Father was truly a "Renanissance" man!!!. We will miss him. I wish you peace.
John "Johnny-Red" Williams
Former Durham City Councilman
Hillside High School Quarterback Class of 1967
Cleola Johnson
February 21, 2007
A very familiar passage of scripture, II Timothy 4:7 tells us that "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." My heart is deeply sadden over the loss of one of the areas first Black Journalists, Mr. J. D. Lewis. As a great author, Leo
Buscaglia, once said, "I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death...they continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make...their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories...we find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love." Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barbara Faison
February 21, 2007
To The Lewis Family,
I have fond memories of your Father doing programs on WRAL as well as the Teenage Frolics on Saturday. I watched that show faithfully as well as appeared on that program. Your Father was a wonderful man and gave us somewhere to go doing that period to show the world we were somebody civilized too. May the love he shared with us warm your hearts to know that he was loved by a host of teenagers every Saturday morning. May God keep your family strong and know that I am praying for each of you.
Hew & Emma Dorssett
February 21, 2007
Our heartfelt sympathy in the lost of your loved one and a great man in the Raleigh community. May God give you strength and courage to know that you are not alone.
Angie Walston
February 21, 2007
To. Mr.Fred Waddell and family,
I am very sorry for your loss and I want you to know that Mr. J.D. Lewis was a special patient to me. You will be in my prayers.
Jacqueline Covington
February 21, 2007
J.D. was a great co-worker back in the late 1950s when I first went to work for WRAL-TV as a young woman who had lived a very sheltered life growing up in Garner and Raleigh. Always compasionate, with a passion for life, J.D. taught me many things regarding human beings. He was passionate about his family and his friends. His legacy will live on as a great tribute to a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
DeJuana Wilson
February 21, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family members as you celebrate the home going of Mr. J.D. Lewis. I first remember him on WRAL, and the way he reach out to teens. You could always tell that teenagers were important to him. He creatived the first black dance show here in Raleigh "Teenage Folics". It was at this show that J.D. touch the hearts of some many of us and reach out to give us something to do positive. I want to thank you - the family for sharing him with us. My memory of this great man will forever live in my heart and the hearts of many of us that he touch the life of. My God keep each of you strong through this time and just remember "He lived a wonderful life" doing the things that I know he enjoyed. Be Blessed.
Charles Edwards
February 21, 2007
May God Bless the family during this difficult time
Mt. Carmel AME Ch. Rev.Moore
February 21, 2007
To have the love and joy of the good times you had with your father is the greatess gift of all.Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not heal. May God's love shine and peace forever reign in your hearts. Our prayers are with you.
Cheryl Tripp Gill
February 21, 2007
The
North Carolina Job Corps Recruiters that were under the leadership of
Leonard Lewis would like to let his family know that God will see you
and family through this sorrowful but Joyful time. Be Blessed and know
that you all are in our prayers.
terrance walker
February 21, 2007
To Pat and the Lewis family : Your dad was a wonderful man and will be dearly missed. From our family to yours , heartfelt condolences.
Leon Turner
February 21, 2007
Sorry for your lost.
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