Tony Elmon Lewis

Tony Elmon Lewis

February 3, 1941 - July 17, 2014

Knightdale

Tony Elmon Lewis, 73, of Knightdale and Emerald Isle passed away Thursday, July 17, 2014 at Rex Healthcare. Tony had been a prostate cancer survivor for 17 years and had "lived" a good life with cancer. Tony was born in Sampson County to the late Gladys Strickland Lewis and Sylvester Lewis. He lived the farm boy life until moving to Benson at the age of 14. Tony was always a fun-loving guy who loved God, his family, friends and cars. He met the love of his life, Sue Bandy Lawhon, and they became high school sweethearts. They were married October 26, 1963 and celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2013.

Tony began his career at the age of 21 with State Government with the Department of Corrections. He was a Prison Guard at Central Prison and worked his way up to the rank of Lieutenant. He had many prison stories to tell, some good experiences and some bad, such as the well-known riot at Central Prison. He transferred to the Prison Enterprise Division and was the Sign Plant Manager (highway signs) for many years until promoted to the Prison Enterprise Office as a Sales Representative. This job was made for him…he was out meeting people everyday, selling many prison-made products to State government facilities, traveling the roadways of NC, and while en route to his destination, he was able to sample fare from many eastern NC barbecue restaurants. Tony retired from the State Government in 1995.

Tony and Sue owned beach property for 30 years, and they spent many happy days socializing on the beach and the pier, biking, boating, fishing, and having a picnic at Sandy Island. They were active in the Emerald Isle community and attended Emerald Isle Baptist Church while on the island.

One of Tony's other interests was Bluegrass music. He and Sue attended many concerts and festivals and knew a number of well-known artists personally. As a 50th anniversary gift, they attended the International Bluegrass Music Association Convention, held in September of 2013.

After retirement, Tony and Sue enjoyed traveling and cruising. Their favorite trip was to Panama.

Tony was a Mason and a member of the William G. Hill Masonic Lodge, and served in the NC National Guard. Tony was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, and was a member of the Christian Friends Sunday School Class. He loved this class and they were his true Christian Friends.

In addition to his wife Sue, Tony is survived by his daughter Kimberly Lewis Humphrey, Tony's favorite son-in-law, Christopher M. Humphrey, and the bright stars in his life, granddaughters: Lindsey Sue Humphrey and Ashley Grace Humphrey, he was their Papa and they loved each other dearly; and brother, Rev. Jimmy Barnhill of Kannapolis.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Friday, July 18, 2014 at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service and Crematory, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale and other times at the home, 213 Allison Drive, Knightdale. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, July 19, 2014 at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 8400 Poole Road, Knightdale, NC 27545. A reception will follow the service at the Fellowship Hall. Entombment service 3:00 pm Saturday at the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, 27603.

The family wishes to thank Dr. William Berry and the staff of Cancer Centers of NC for their care during his journey.

Flowers are accepted or memorial contributions can be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Condolences to the family may be sent to poolefuneral.com under Obituaries.