Archie Jefferson Lewis Jr.

Archie Jefferson Lewis, Jr., of McCormick, husband of Frances Schumpert Lewis died Saturday, April 12, 2014. He was the son of the late Archie J. Lewis, Sr. and Frances Andrews Lewis. Born in Johnston, SC in 1923, he lived most of his adult life in McCormick, SC. He was a World War II veteran serving in the Rome-Arno and North Apennines campaigns. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart, two Bronze Service Stars, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He spent two years in Army hospitals recovering from grenade shrapnel injuries while serving in Italy. He was a professional educator. After discharge from the U.S. Army, he completed his Bachelor's degree at Wofford College and later his Master's degree from Western Carolina University. He was a house parent, teacher and later principal at John de la Howe School and later taught in the McCormick Public Schools where he mentored many students. One of his former students commented several years ago, "His demeanor was steady, quiet, unlike most of my other teachers. He never once yelled at any of us, even when he corrected our behavior. We all respected him. I remember wanting desperately to earn his approval. My homework was always done on time, and I received good grades in his class. He taught us well, leading by example." He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Frances S. Lewis of McCormick; three sons, A. Jefferson Lewis III of Athens, GA, Benjamin M. Lewis of Evans, GA and J. Preston Lewis of Spartanburg, SC and their wives Karen, Bobbie and Beth; three grandchildren, Andrew, Fran and Cole Lewis, and one brother, John S. Lewis of Johnston. He was predeceased by his mother and father and a sister, Lamar Lewis Payne. He was an avid gardener, an avocation shared by his wife. Together they enjoyed sharing vegetables and flowers with many people throughout the area. He was also a voracious reader, especially the history of South Carolina. He enjoyed birds all his life and together with his wife enjoyed a menagerie of dogs, cats, goats, horses and other animals. He was well known for his sharp wit and loved the art of a good joke. The family will receive friends on April 15, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the McCormick United Methodist Church. A Memorial Service will take place April 16, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. in the church. Interment will follow with military honors in Overbrook Cemetery in McCormick. Memorials may be made to McCormick United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 267, McCormick, SC 29835; the American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Dr., Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601; or the National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70130. or the charity of one's choice. A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com HARRIS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES is assisting the Lewis family.