John Thomas Lewis, Jr.

John Thomas Lewis, Jr. (J.T.) of Columbus, MS, went home to his Heavenly Father, Saturday, August 19, 2023. He was 84 years old. J.T. passed peacefully, his loving family by his bedside, holding his hands.

J.T.'s entire life was one of quiet devotion, to his wife, Betty, his family, his country, and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Family meant the world to J.T. , and he to them. Honest, humble, funny, and kind described J.T. perfectly.

He met the lively,  and beautiful, young woman, who would become the love of his life at a dance in 1956.  Betty & J.T. were happily married 67 years.

J.T. spent decades serving his country which took him far away from his growing family. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1957, serving 20 years aboard aircraft carriers which traveled the world. J.T. had an exceptional naval career, achieving the highest enlisted rank possible, retiring in 1977 as a Master Chief Petty Officer. A stunning accomplishment!

He earned many awards including the Navy Achievement Medal and the Vietnam Gallantry Medal. J.T. served on aircraft carriers Independence and Saratoga in the 1960's and 1970's and served two tours in Vietnam.

Shortly after his naval career ended, J.T. went to college acquiring a degree in criminal justice. Echoing his excellence in the Navy, J.T. was named the State of North Carolina's very first DUI court coordinator - earning the respect of courthouse staff and Judges alike in the Guilford County NC Courts.

While in that position, J.T. was appointed Deacon at Pleasant Garden Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC. A role he cherished because he could serve his church family and his Lord.

In 1999, J.T. & Betty, packed their bags for Columbus, MS, where their son, John, and their beloved daughter in law,  Glenda, along with nephew Jared, resided. J.T. quickly joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church and was an active member until, cancer, sadly, came calling.

J.T.'s faithful devotion to his church family was well known but he saved the best of his love for his family. J.T.'s special gift was his humor, but his light, his gentle ways, and bravery, during the dark days of his two year illness, will never be forgotten.

We, his family, are truly heartbroken, but remain eternally grateful we were there when Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, welcomed this sweet, southern gentleman, who kept a bible by his bed, into the pearly gates of heaven.

J.T.  was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gladys Lewis of Greensboro, NC. His wife's parents, Arthur and Margaret Thompson  of Greensboro, NC  and his wife's sister and brother in law, Gail and Boyd Wheeler also of Greensboro, NC

He is survived by his wife, Betty, son John Thomas Lewis, III (Glenda), Columbus, MS, daughter Tammy Renee Wallace (Jeff) of Beaufort, SC., Grandson Jared Lewis (Valerie) and great granddaughter Juliana Lewis. Sisters Joanne Bettini, Betty Lou Nato, brother Monroe Lewis (Bobbie) along with several heartbroken nieces and nephews.

A Christian memorial service will be announced at a future date.