James E. Lewis, Sr., 91, loving husband of the late Mary J. Lewis, was born November 15, 1928 in Sumter to the late William and Janie Johnson Lewis. He departed this earth on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, Sumter. James grew up in Sumter and attended Stone Hill Elementary School. He was a fast learner and proved able to master concepts quickly. He was outgoing and loved going to the movies, watching westerns and attending Pine Hill A. M. E. Church as a young boy. His mother often spoke of him as a quiet well behaved child that loved family. He was very protective, always there to protect his family, especially his sisters. James went on to do great things as he matured. Very ambitious with a strong desire to work, he became a logger alongside his older brothers, William and Harry. Everyone knew he was a hard-working self-starter. His passion and love for automobiles led him to work as a mechanic with dreams of being an entrepreneur. James went on to marry Lola Hamilton and build a family. They lived in marital bliss until she departed this earth. On April 5, 1954, James remarried and blended his current family with Mary J. Lewis. Shortly after their union, they relocated to Long Island, N. Y. for more opportunities to build a better life. His success exceeded beyond his expectations. Once James retired, he and Mary returned home to Sumter, where he decided to go into business again opening Ram Bay Auto in Manning. Family was everything to him and he was happy doing what he loved to do. His legacy will live on through his sons, James Lewis, Jr. of Sumter, Carlton Lewis of Long Island, NY, Tyron Lewis of Sumter; son-in-law, Lance Hodge of Long Island, NY; his daughter, Tracey Lewis-Hodge of Long Island, NY; his sister, Inez Wilson of Summerville; ten grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. The family is receiving relatives at the home, 109 Old Pocalla Road, Sumter. Graveside Services will be held 11 a. m. today at Hillside Memorial Park, 3001 Cain’s Mill Road, Sumter, with the Rev. Frank Williams, Jr., pastor of Faith Baptist Church, Officiating, Eulogist. The procession will leave the home at 10:20 a. m.
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