Alan Lewis

Alan Lewis, 85, of Highlands, NC passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2016.  Mr. Lewis was born on September 16, 1930, in Hickory, NC to the late Rev. M. A. Lewis and Lizette Bashford Lewis. Because he was the son of a Methodist minister, he attended schools in several locations in North Carolina and graduated from high school in Lincolnton, NC.

He joined the National Guard in 1949; he served in the Korean War from June 24, 1950, to July 27, 1953.  In 1954, he married the former Jane Anderson, the prettiest girl in Highlands; they were married for 61 wonderful years.  In 1953, Alan joined the North Carolina Highway Patrol, serving as an officer until 1957.  When he left the Patrol, he bought the Highlands Variety Store from Jane’s father; he later operated a Sears Catalog agency and a Radio Shack in addition to the variety store, which he owned and operated for 27 years.  After retirement, he had more time for his hobbies, driving his antique cars and watching races, especially NASCAR.  From 1964 to 1967, he worked for the Daytona Speedway during speed weeks.

Alan joined the First Presbyterian Church in Highlands in 1955 and was elected Ruling Elder in 1958; he served as the Treasurer for 20 years.  He went on several mission trips, including Mexico; James Island, South Carolina after Hurricane Hugo; and Homestead, Florida after Hurricane Andrew.  He also served as Chairman of the Board of Elections in Highlands for a number of years.

Survivors include his wife, Jane Anderson Lewis, of the home; four children, Martha Betz (Richard), Angie L. Jenkins, Bill Lewis, and Scott Lewis; four grandchildren, Sam Jenkins (Jessie), Jimmy Jenkins (Jessica), Amy J. Ramey (Brandon), and Katy Betz; seven great-grandchildren, Analyse Crook, Ella Crook, Aiden Crook-Jenkins, Briana Jenkins, Karmen Jenkins, Kadence Ramey, and Cambran Ramey, all of Highlands; a sister, Lizette Pryor of Raleigh, NC; sisters-in-law, Angela Hardin of Asheville, Anne Sellers of Highlands, and Mary Shearouse of Asheville; and many nieces and nephews.  Mr. Lewis was preceded in death by an infant great-grandson, James Taylor Ramey.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 7, 2016, at the First Presbyterian Church in Highlands with the Rev. Curtis Fussell and Rev. Emily Wilmarth officiating.  Burial will follow in the Highlands Memorial Park.  Pallbearers will be Sam Jenkins, Jimmy Jenkins, Brandon Ramey, Paul Kinsland, Terry Potts, and Steve Mehder; honorary pallbearers will be Richard Betz, Harris Elmore, Don Fisher, Jeff Cox, Richard Melvin, Jimmy Lowe, Dr. John Baumrucker, and Dr. Randolph Shaffner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Highlands First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 548, Highlands, NC 28741.

Online condolences may be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Lewis family