Obituary of John R. Lewis, Jr.

1st Lt. John Roy Lewis Jr., age 92, passed away on May 29, 2020 in Long Island, New York due to complications of a stroke. John was born on November 2, 1927 in Manhattan, New York. He was the eldest son of John and Eunice Lewis. His father a proud descendant of the Meherrin Indian tribe of Ahoskie North Carolina and his mother a business owner from Virginia. John Jr. grew up in Harlem and met his wife Annie through mutual lifelong friends. He married his beautiful wife Annie W. Lewis in New York in 1950. They had 6 beautiful children Lillie, Joy, Pat, Phyllis, Marie and their only son John R Lewis III. Throughout his life, he proudly displayed the importance of Meherrin tradition, family life, local community involvement and volunteering. Committed to civil service, John worked at the United States Post Office up until the time of his enlistment into the United States Army in 1946. By 1951, he quickly rose to become a First Sergeant (the heart and soul of the Army) that served in the Korean conflict. He then became an esteemed "mustang". Due to his leadership and experience, he was selected by his leadership to move from enlistment life to officer life. John accepted his appointment to become a commissioned officer in the Army, commissioning in 1952. The Army took John and his family all over the world from Kansas, New Jersey, Washington, Texas, overseas to Japan, Korea, Germany and several cities in New York. After 20 years of dedicated service, John retired with many awards and decorations. Anti-Aircraft Battalion Japan, Korea, Germany 1946-66 Army Commendation Medal, 3 Good Conduct Medals, WW11 Victory Medal, Occupation Medal-Japan, Korean Service Medal W/3 Bronze Stars, United National Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal w/Oak leak Cluster After his retirement from the United States Army, he then joined the Long Island Railroad retiring with full benefits in 1986. He is preceded in death by his wife Annie of 62 years and 3 elder sisters Rhuela, Lillie, Faye and two younger brothers Kenneth and Eddie Lewis. John was well versed in the world, having traveled the globe on multiple adventures to connect with his loved ones. We love you John! He is survived by his five children and 2 son-in laws. Lillie (Norward), Patricia, Joy (Sherwood), Marie and John R Lewis III. Eleven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and a great great grandchild. He has a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousin, and countless friends around the globe. A huge Tribe! At a later date, John's cremains will be interred with his beloved wife, Annie W. Lewis at Calverton National Cemetery. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION TO THE AMERICAN LEGION OR TO THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOSPICE. CLICK ON EITHER LINK TO MAKE A DONATION. THANK YOU, Lovingly Submitted by the family