Eldridge R. Lewis

Mr. Eldridge Ray "ER" Lewis, 85, passed away peacefully and was called home to his eternal resting place on April 9, 2006, at his home in Greenville. "ER," born in the Belvoir community to the late Julia and Mack Donald Lewis, attended Pitt County Schools in the Belvoir community. He was an active lifelong member of Gum Swamp Free Will Baptist Church, and a permanent resident of Pitt County, spending most of his life residing in the Belvoir community and later in Bethel. Mr. Lewis was founder and president of E R Lewis Construction Company, Incorporated. Mr. Lewis was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Velma Morris Lewis, in 1992. A devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather, ER loved spending time with his family, attending his grandchildren's sporting activities and conversing with many of his business associates and dear friends. His benevolence and humanitarian works will be long remembered by his family, friends and community. During World War II, Mr. Lewis served active duty in the United States Army for three years. He was honored with an Eamet Campaign Medal, an American Theater Campaign Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, along with three Bronze Stars, for his role in the three major battles of Rome-Arno, North Appennines and Po Valley, all of which were in Italy. During the early 1950s, he began his career as a dragline operator, working with farmers and soil conservation officials in several counties. Years later, with his reputation and expertise established, he and his wife created E R Lewis Construction and pioneered the company to its existence today. Mr. Lewis leaves to cherish his memories two daughters, Rita Lewis Andrews and husband, Woody, and Kathryn L. Carson and husband, Don, and a son, Harvey Ray Lewis and wife, Brenda, all of Greenville; seven devoted grandchildren, Ashleigh Andrews Berry and husband, John, Scott Andrews and Stacey Andrews of Greenville, Don "Bo" Carson and wife, Lori, of Wake Forest, Mark Carson of Bethel, Julia Lewis Fagundus and husband, Bryan, and Charles Eldridge Lewis and wife, Crystal, all of Greenville. Great-grandchildren include Turner and Wyatt Fagundus and Charles Eldridge "Ridge" Lewis and Claire Lewis of Greenville. The family will receive friends tonight from 6-8 at Wilkerson Funeral Home. The funeral service will be conducted by the Rev. Kevin Jackson in the Wilkerson Funeral Chapel on Tuesday at 11 a.m., followed by a private family graveside. In lieu of flowers, friends may consider making memorial contributions to: Gum Swamp Free Will Baptist Church, 2072 Gum Swamp Church Road, Greenville, NC 27834; Gift Records, Mount Olive College, 634 Henderson St., Mount Olive, NC 29365; Free Will Baptist Children's Home, P.O. Box 249, Middlesex, NC 27557.