John Henry “Fox” Lewis was born May 9, 1942, in Mayflower, Texas.  He was preceded in death by his father J. D. Wright and mother Mattie B. Lewis. He departed this life on December 17, 2019. John was a devoted husband, a beloved father, and a friend to many.

After graduating from Mary C. Womack High School in 1960, he enlisted in the United States Army that same year and later received an honorable discharge, but John was not through with his commitment to public service. He was recognized in 1982 for ten years of service as a deputy sheriff with the Gregg County Sheriff’s Reserve Unit. He then worked for many years as a trucker for Kirby Restaurant Suppliers and retired from that position in 2007.

John was not all work. An avid golfer, he was a longtime member of the Trail Blazers Golf Club in Longview, Texas. He was a faithful member of St. Paul Baptist Church in Tatum, Texas where he served as a deacon. John will be remembered for his sense of humor and for his care and concern for his family, especially for his wife of 38 years, Beverly Brown Lewis.

Preceded in death by his parents and four brothers: Algie Parker, Rickey Parker, Larry Wright, and Darrell Wright, John leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Beverly Lewis; six children united in honoring his memory: Romonda Stoker, April Stein (Sanford), Rallston Lewis (Brandy), Felicia Ellis, Tyshada Lewis, and Ellena Smith; six surviving siblings: Bertha Parker Armstrong, Lloyd Parker (Detra), Everett Parker (Regina), Kathryn Henry, Wyne Wright (Jennifer), and Annie Vern Randall; fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren, six sisters-in-law, five brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and his best friend since kindergarten, Alvernon Jones.