J. B. Lewis

1919 - 2016

J.B. LEWIS J.B. Lewis, age 97, of Burgaw, North Carolina passed away gently on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Pender Memorial Hospital. He was born on May 15, 1919 in Greenville, NC, to Howell and Luzetta Lewis. In addition to his parents, J.B. was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Daisy Lewis; grandson, James Lewis; son-in-law, David McLendon; sisters, Alma Ellen, Vera Edwards and Hilda Alexander; and brothers Howell Lewis, Earl Lewis and Jasper Lewis. J.B. moved to Burgaw in 1952 where he and his wife founded Lewis Sausage Company. J.B. was a faithful member of Burgaw Baptist Church where he served three terms as a deacon and a Sunday school teacher. He also served his community as a member and chairman of Pender Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, a member and past president of Burgaw Rotary Club, past Master of King Solomon Lodge No.138 A.F.& A.M. where he was a 32nd degree Mason, and was a member and past president of NC Meat Packing Association. His love and commitment to his community was reflected through his service and devotion to his church and numerous organizations. J.B. enjoyed extensive travels to many countries during the years he was involved in the meat packing business and during his retirement. He derived the most pleasure from his family and their much anticipated reunions at the Lewis Family Farm. He always instilled the importance of education in his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his daughters, Ruth Lewis Taylor (William Ivey Taylor III) and Dorothy Lewis McLendon; son, James "Jimmy" Bryant Lewis (Linda B. Lewis); grandchildren, Roberta LaSure (Bruce), John William Taylor, David McLendon (Berta), Elizabeth McLendon and Tammy Horne; great grandchildren, Taylor and Kristen LaSure, Alarin, Alix, Cypress and Moss Taylor, David and Jose McLendon, and Nicholas Horne; sister, Margaret Lewis; and brothers, Coye Lewis and Charles Lewis. He is also survived by special nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. J.B. will be greatly missed by his loved ones. Funeral services will be at 12 noon on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at Burgaw Baptist Church with the Reverend Dr. Robert Phillips officiating. Burial will follow in Burgaw Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday May 26 at 11:00 a.m. in the church fellowship hall until the hour of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Burgaw Baptist Church, PO Box 385, Burgaw, NC 28425 or to NHRMC Foundation for Pender Memorial Hospital, 507 E. Fremont St. Burgaw, NC 28425. Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Burgaw.