Celebrating the life of
John Stephen Lewis
August 16, 1938 - January 15, 2017
John Stephen Lewis, 78, of Wilmington Island passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 15, 2017, at Hospice Savannah.
He was born August 16, 1938, in Lumberton, NC, to Alfred A. Lewis and Myrtle Humphrey. He attended high school in Jacksonville, FL and entered the Air Force in 1956, serving in Thailand, Hawaii, California, Arizona, Wyoming, and Nebraska, retiring at the rank of technical sergeant with honorable discharge in 1976. Moving to Savannah he worked in the Chatham County Sheriff Office, retiring as Sargent. During the same decades he was a volunteer with the Southside Fire Department.
He was a member of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer of Wilmington Island and a docent at the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum. He earned a pilot’s license while a young adult and sustained a passion for aircraft and ham radio throughout his life.
He is survived by his wife Eileen Bransby Lewis of Wilmington Island and, from his first marriage, his daughter Kathryn Cook of Tybee Island, her husband Kevin, and granddaughter Kelly Margaret Cook; by Eileen’s son Michael Ielmini (Lisa), and granddaughter Sofia Ielmini of Falls Church, VA, and daughter Eileen Ielmini (Dale Walker) of Chicago. He is also survived by his sister Sarah Helen McLendon of Bennettsville, SC, brother Daniel (Brendia) of Red Springs, NC, and step-brother John Johnson (Sara) of Williamsburg, VA.
All will miss the twinkle in his eye and the dimple in his smile. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum in Pooler or Hospice Savannah.
A Memorial Service is planned for February at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, the date will be announced.
I'm very sorry for your loss and pray the Good Lord will help through these tough times. I remember my dad Buzz Lewis talking about John Stephen many times and about him being an Air Force veteran Along with dad , John Johnson and me.
- Charles R Lewis III "Rick", Quinton , Va
So sad to hear about John. We just loved spending time with him and always missed not being able to continue our Saturday mornings and going to lunch. Had pictures of Kelly's wedding to show him. He always asked about her. Will see you memorial.
- Marvin & Luretta Ray, Bluffton, Sc
Rest in Peace, John, and go with God. Eileen, our prayers are with you and your family. John's contagious smile and warm spirit left a lasting impression on all of our family. The Schwalbe Family
- Drew Schwalbe, Savannah, GA
So sorry to hear of John's passing. Our sympathies to all the family. Love, Dotte and Dino
- , ,
I will miss you, John. I was lucky to know you.
- Dale Walker, Chicago, IL
To Eileen and Family: John was such a warm, kind and steady man...it was comforting just to be in his presence. We always enjoyed his visits to the Museum with you during and after your tenure here with us. The two of you were so successful as a couple that it serves as an inspiration. He will be missed, and you and your family are in our thoughts.
- The staff at Ships of the Sea Museum, Savannah, GA
My deepest condolence to your family. Your past neighbor.
- Bobby Sandlin 524 Pointe North, Savannah, GA
Eileen and Family, We were sad to see John's obit in the paper this morning. He was one of my favorite co-workers a the Sheriff's Dept. He was such a sincere, caring, humble man. We spent many hrs. talking about our families. The last time we saw y'all was at Wendy's on Wil. Isl. I think I did see him there one more time after that. He was with his, or your daughter. Not sure. I know you are going to miss him so much. Sincere sympathy, Pat and Madeline
- Pat & Madeline Cetti, Midway , GA
Truly one of the BEST men ever. Warm,kind,funny,charming,stoic,heroic. He will be so missed, but his loving spirit will remain with all whom he touched. Deepest condolences to all the family and especially to his cherished wife Eileen.
- Nancy Schultz, Conley, GA
Eileen - Our deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss.
- Judy and Lee Maltenfort, Savannah, GA
I'm very sorry for your loss and pray the Good Lord will help through these tough times. I remember my dad Buzz Lewis talking about John Stephen many times and about him being an Air Force veteran Along with dad , John Johnson and me.
- Charles R Lewis III "Rick", Quinton , Va
So sad to hear about John. We just loved spending time with him and always missed not being able to continue our Saturday mornings and going to lunch. Had pictures of Kelly's wedding to show him. He always asked about her. Will see you memorial.
- Marvin & Luretta Ray, Bluffton, Sc
Rest in Peace, John, and go with God. Eileen, our prayers are with you and your family. John's contagious smile and warm spirit left a lasting impression on all of our family. The Schwalbe Family
- Drew Schwalbe, Savannah, GA
So sorry to hear of John's passing. Our sympathies to all the family. Love, Dotte and Dino
- , ,
I will miss you, John. I was lucky to know you.
- Dale Walker, Chicago, IL
To Eileen and Family: John was such a warm, kind and steady man...it was comforting just to be in his presence. We always enjoyed his visits to the Museum with you during and after your tenure here with us. The two of you were so successful as a couple that it serves as an inspiration. He will be missed, and you and your family are in our thoughts.
- The staff at Ships of the Sea Museum, Savannah, GA
My deepest condolence to your family. Your past neighbor.
- Bobby Sandlin 524 Pointe North, Savannah, GA
Eileen and Family, We were sad to see John's obit in the paper this morning. He was one of my favorite co-workers a the Sheriff's Dept. He was such a sincere, caring, humble man. We spent many hrs. talking about our families. The last time we saw y'all was at Wendy's on Wil. Isl. I think I did see him there one more time after that. He was with his, or your daughter. Not sure. I know you are going to miss him so much. Sincere sympathy, Pat and Madeline
- Pat & Madeline Cetti, Midway , GA
Truly one of the BEST men ever. Warm,kind,funny,charming,stoic,heroic. He will be so missed, but his loving spirit will remain with all whom he touched. Deepest condolences to all the family and especially to his cherished wife Eileen.
- Nancy Schultz, Conley, GA
Eileen - Our deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss.
- Judy and Lee Maltenfort, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
