Obituary of Harry Montgomery Lewis

Harry Montgomery Lewis was born on November 3, 1921, in Cumberland, Virginia, as the youngest child of Major Leake and Bessie Carey Lewis. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 40 years, Gracie Hatcher Lewis, one brother Chester Lewis, and one sister Clara Lett. At an early age, he was baptized and joined Pleasant View Baptist Church where he served faithfully. He attended Sunday School, was a member of the Missionary Circle, and for more than 20 years served as church Treasurer and as a church Trustee. Harry was educated in Cumberland County Public Schools where he graduated as the class Salutatorian in 1940 from the Cumberland Training School. Upon completing high school, he worked alongside his father on the family farm. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted and served honorably in the US Army until World War II ended and the farm drew him back to his birthplace. His service included a tour overseas in Japan and the Philippines during the war. There was never a time when Harry was not working. In addition to working on the family farm, he was employed as a carpenter, worked for the Bremo Power Station and for Solite Corporation. For many years following his retirement, he drove a van for the Central Virginia Health Center. Some might describe his vocation as being a common laborer. But to his family, there nothing at all "common" about what he was able to achieve in life. He devoted his life to serving others always extending a helping hand to anyone in need. He was involved in many community and civic organizations including the Keystone Masonic Lodge #188. He regularly worked with the local Democratic Party to promote voter participation, served as a poll watcher at the Flanagan Mill polling site, and on county-wide zoning and planning commissions. He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life, his two daughters, Maureen Carson (Nathaniel Jr.) and Caryn Lewis-Bugg (Wendell); three sons, Garry Sr.(Nancy), Charles and Major Lewis; ten grandchildren, Carol Armstrong (Ivan), Donald Jr.(Liz) and Dornell Davis, Robert Carson, Garry Lewis, Jr. (Tanya), Adrienne, Cheyenne, and Jennifer Lewis, Kristina and Camryn Bugg; seven great-grandchildren, Chelsea, Joseph and Sabian Armstrong, Dorienne, Dinadja, Donald III, and Donovan Davis. He also leaves one sister, Arnest Beavers; two sisters-in-laws, Ann Brown and Louise Williams; and a host of additional relatives and friends.