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John Richey Lewis, 70, of Lenoir, NC, formerly of Cornelius, NC, passed away on Friday, January 1, 2016 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. He was born on September 12, 1945 in Sumter, SC to Betty Breese Lewis and the late Walter M. Lewis; 36 hours after his identical twin brother, Richard. His childhood was spent in both Pennsylvania and upstate New York. His family moved to Maryland in January of 1962 where John graduated from Robert E. Perry High School a year later. After high school he attended the University of Maryland where he earned a degree in Business Administration. In addition to his formal education, John was part of the Special Forces Unit of the Army Reserve. John married his sweetheart, Laura, in October 1973. Over 21 years, the couple welcomed eight children into their home. After they became pregnant with their last baby, and with John at age 50, the family moved south to eventually retire and, in John’s sarcastic words: "to just raise kids and then die." John built a house in Cornelius, NC where the family lived for the next 18 years. In March 2011 they purchased 17 acres in Lenoir; a small town in the foothills of the North Carolina mountains. They restored a burnt down home there, creating a haven where they could spend their retirement together. He was a devout Christian and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He lived a life of service, and loved working with youth and the Boy Scouts of America. In addition to serving friends and family, he organized multiple building projects; most notably for Habitat for Humanity and the Ada Jenkins Center. It is said that he built houses, barns and coops, but most importantly, he built men. He never missed an opportunity to assist, love and care for those who would benefit from his service. John was an instant friend to everyone. He leaves as his legacy every heart he has touched and every life he has served. In addition to his mother, Betty, John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Laura Shipp Lewis as well as his children: Kari Thurber (Korey), Kenton Lewis (Mairenui), Amy Sholar (Travis), Amber Ross (Matthew), Makenna Anderson (Blake), Morgan Lewis and Hunter Lewis; his twin brother, Richard Lewis (Catharin) and brother, Alan Lewis (Diane); father-in-law, Ralph Shipp; grandchildren: Sydney and Savannah Thurber, Ariihaumatanui, Ragiariki and Ragiatua Lewis, Journey, Londyn, Locke and Jett Sholar and Mack and John ("Little John") Ross. John is preceded in death by his father Walter, his mother-in-law Patsy, and his daughter Katelyn. A graveside service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park, Charlotte, NC with Rev. Casey Proctor officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday, January 5 from 6-8 pm at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, NC. A memorial will be held on Wednesday, January 6, at 7 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 1775 Connelly Springs Rd, Lenoir, NC 28645. The family will receive friends from 6-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John Lewis Memorial Fund. They may be mailed to P. O. Box 343, Lenoir, NC 28645 or made through PayPal send money "Friends and Family" to Laura@LakeNorman.com. Donations will go towards a college fund for Little John and future grandchildren. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the Lewis family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

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John Richey Lewis

September 12, 1945 - January 1, 2016