Reuben Franklin Lewis

Mr. Reuben Franklin Lewis, 81, of Mount Airy, passed away Monday morning, November 24, 2008, at Northern Hospital of Surry County. Mr. Lewis was born September 2, 1927, in Surry County, to the late John Samuel and Ivory Marion Lewis. Reuben worked several years at Essex Wire Company, Atkins Grocery in Dobson, Food Lion, and was retired from Perry Manufacturing Company. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Lucy Mae Coe Lewis of the home; a daughter and her husband, Patricia and Carroll Hooker of Mount Airy; a grandson and his wife, Mark and Holly Hooker of Mount Airy; a great-granddaughter, Ellie Caroline Hooker, "Pa's Sweetie Pie," of Mount Airy; a sister and her husband, Ivagene and Edward Cave of Dobson; a brother and his wife, Delmar and Juanita Lewis of Mount Airy; a half-sister and her husband, Betty and Columbus Payne of Boonville; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Lewis was preceded in death by two sisters, Alma Lewis Atkins and Emma Lewis Slawter; two brothers, Howard Lewis and Victor Lewis; and a half-brother, Friel Lewis. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, November 26, 2008, at 2:00 PM at Piney Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Eddie Honeycutt officiating. The family will receive friends two hours before the service at Piney Grove Baptist Church, 278 Piney Grove Road, Mount Airy. The family wishes to express special love and gratitude to Reuben's nieces, Jessie Atkins Stewart, Carol Atkins Bledsoe, and Kathy Atkins Robertson, for their care during his extended illness. Also, a special thank you is extended to the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care and the staff of Northern Hospital of Surry County for the love and care given to Reuben during his illness. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to the Piney Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 1022, Mount Airy, NC 27030, or to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, NC 27030.