Wilbur Leigh Lewis Sr. left his temporary earthly home at his home, February 18, 2017 at the age of 94. He was born to William Earnest Lewis and Lydia Midyette on October 8, 1922. He married Edna Marie Williams February 25, 1944, who predeceased him after 67 years of marriage on October 28, 2011.

Their union produced seven children, Dean Russell, Cecil Lamar, deceased, April 15, 2004, William Hubert Sr., Ronnie Vale, Edna Merita, Wilbur Leigh Jr., Austin Ray Sr.; five daughters-in-law, Faye, Ann, Nancy, Janet, Tracy; one son-in-law, David Spencer; thirteen grandchildren of which he was Papa, Big Papa and Grand-daddy, Kim Hicks and Seth, Susan Williams and Jason, Jody Lewis and Hollie, Denise Cox and Eugene, Hubert Lewis Jr. and Crystal, Rhonda Topping and James, Dawn Lewis, Brandon Lewis and fiancée Samantha, Corey Spencer and Sara, Ray Jr., Jacob and Crystal, Alex and Taylor; seventeen great-grandchildren, Tiernan Grace Hicks, Scarlette Miranda, Holden Reese, Lilah Gray Williams, Joseph Cicotti, Cailin Elizabeth Lewis, Elisabeth Writtenberry, Travis Eugene, Emily Rose Cox, Kyleigh Danielle, Ethan Cole, Adam Tyler, Ronnie Malachi Topping, Ella Marie and Brantley Ryan.

He is a member of Pleasant Grove Church of Christ and the Masonic Lodge #328. He was predeceased by all his siblings, William Preston, Alma Marie Lewis Williams, Erdis Leon, John Leslie, Erma-Dell Lewis Spencer and an infant sister.

After not qualifying for the military thru the draft board, he signed on in February 1941 with the CC Camp Troop #242 at New Holland. After the disbandment from the CCC in June 1942, he had various truck driving jobs. From 1968 thru 1984, he worked and retired from the North Carolina Forest Service. He then started his own Lewis small engine repair business. In 1989 he was among others recognized by then Gov. Jim Martin as volunteer of the year.

He with others were instrumental in raising funds for the Hyde County Senior Center and getting Hyde County set up to receive the meals on wheels for our seniors, shut ins and disabled citizens. Special heartfelt thanks to his caregivers Lola Jones and Beulah Spencer.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at the family plot in Fulford Cemetery. Steve Bryan and Steven Mills will officiate.

The family received friends Monday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter, and other times at the home place on 6320 North Lake Road, Fairfield.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Hyde County Senior Center, 160 Juniper Bay Road, Swan Quarter, NC 27885 or charity of choice.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter.