In the early morning hours of November 3, 2022, MSgt John S. Lewis, USMC (Ret.), succumbed to recent struggles with COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. A memorial service will be held on November 19, 2022 at 2:00pm at Jones Funeral Home in Jacksonville with Pastor Ron Edwards and Pastor Jim Bender officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00pm to 1:45pm before the service at the funeral home.

John Selby Lewis, age 72, was born on June 29, 1950, in Kingsville, Texas. His love for fishing and the outdoors started at a young age when he and his brother would spend countless hours fishing from the pier in Texas. From that point on, fishing became his obsession and hobby along with hunting. Throughout his life he took great enjoyment in taking friends and family fishing. He also used it as a time to reflect and relax in one with God, nature, and the saltwater.

In 1969, John entered the U.S. Marine Corps. He served as a radio communications chief and also a recruiter. John served his country for 25 years, retiring as a Master sergeant. The military took him to Southwest Asia and later Kuwait for Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Throughout his distinguished career, he received many medals and recognitions for his honorable achievements in the military.

While in the military, John embarked on a new hobby: cutting hair. After he retired, he turned this hobby into a second career, becoming the beloved barber at Ogden Barber Shop in Wilmington, NC, where he worked for 22 years. Most who knew John at the barber shop remember his passion for music: he had an iPod with more than 4,000 songs ranging from '80s to classic rock. John especially loved the blues, which is why so many people referred to him as "Blues Man."

John also had a green thumb and enjoyed all types of plants. Whether he was landscaping at church, working in his own yard, or giving growing tips to friends, John was always happy when he was around plants.

John was a member of the Roosevelt Drive Church of Christ for 38 years. He took great pride in teaching the gospel and leading many over the years to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In his later years at the church, John was appointed to the job of door greeter. When John was introduced as "the man," his reply would often be "I'm not the man, just a man, but I hope to meet the Man one day".

John met his wife of 43 years, Silvia Carrillo Lewis, in Irving, Texas. They married April 14,1979, and have two daughters, Rachel and Kimberly. John became a grandfather for the first time in 2005. He was overjoyed to take on his role of Papa and vowed to be the best Papa he could be. Since then, he has taught both his grandchildren, Gabriel and Ava, many life lessons and passed down his love for the outdoors.

John is survived by his wife Silvia Lewis; daughter Rachel Lewis Anderson; daughter Kimberly Lewis; grandchildren Gabriel and Ava.

Flowers are appreciated and can be ordered directly from- Forget Me Not Flowers and Gifts, 715 Gum Branch Rd Unit 3 Jacksonville, NC 28540 (910)347-5543 or on Forget-me-not-flowers.net.

Or memorial contributions may be made to the Roosevelt drive church of Christ, 111 Roosevelt Road Jacksonville, NC 28540 (910)347-1122.