Archie "Dick" Leonard Lewis

Archie Leonard Lewis Jr. “Dick,” 85, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday February 14, 2023. He was born in Smithfield, North Carolina on February 18, 1937 to the late Archie Leonard Lewis, Sr. and Lillian Bunn Lewis. 

Dick was brought up on a family tobacco farm near Zebulon.  In 1951, his father became disabled and the farm was left for Lillian and Dick to maintain. As time passed, he assisted Doris & Johnny Hicks in tending their farm for several summers until he graduated from Wakelon High School in 1955. 

He joined the National Guard and worked as a Supply Sergeant for six years. He completed trade college in Charlotte and went on to receive his surveying license. After graduation, he was employed for 35 years by the North Carolina Department of Transportation as an Area Locating Engineer and retired in 1990. His devotion to the surveying industry was strong.  He went on to start Lewis & Associates Surveying, which he successfully operated for nine years. 

In between being a father to young children and working full time, he was fortunate to become a licensed pilot. He was also able to make notable memories with his family at their mountain home in North Carolina. 

He had a passion for all sports and thoroughly enjoyed watching and attending North Carolina State Wolfpack games, NASCAR races and Washington Nationals games. While living in Charlotte, he coached basketball and baseball teams that went on to win championships.  Most of all, he enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events.  He was their biggest fan! 

He was a loyal member of The Whitestone Masonic Lodge in Wakefield for fifty years, The Sudan Shrine Temple, and Wilson Shrine Club. 

Once retired, Margaret and Dick were able to spend many special years traveling cross country in their motorhome. They developed friendships, attended professional sports events, and were able to see a considerable number of America's most beautiful sites! 

He lived by the motto of the 2019 Washington National World Championship team, “Stay in The Fight.” Dick was a philanthropic man with a kind spirit. He had unbounding love for his family and friends and they were the light of his life; he will be dearly missed. 

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Margaret Rideout Lewis, his daughter Bonnie Lewis Ammons, sons Jerry Alan Lewis (Janet), Victor Leonard Lewis (Angie), Van Egerton Lewis (Libbie), daughter-in-law; Tammie Lewis Dodd; his grandchildren, Kristen Ammons, Judson Ammons (Berrin), Wayne Leonard Lewis, Kellie Lewis Kontio (Anthony), Preston Leonard Lewis, Caleb Braxton Lewis, Makenzie Reese Lewis, Kaydence Olivia Lewis, Mason Kennedi Lewis and Kaylynn Paige Foster; two great grandchildren, Madison Kaye Kontio and Charlie Leonard Kontio; and his sister Edith Lewis Johnson.

Visitation will be held at Joyner’s Funeral Home from 12:00 PM-1:45 PM on Sunday February 19, 2023. The service honoring his life will start promptly at 2:00 PM. 

Following the service, a graveside burial will take place at Lee’s Chapel Baptist Cemetery, 14551 Taylors Mill Road, Middlesex, North Carolina. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Sudan Shriners, 1425 S Glenburnie Rd., Suite 4, New Bern or Buckhorn Methodist Church 8102 NC-42, Kenly, North Carolina. 

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.