William Mason Lewis died June 16, 2018, at 88 years of age. He was preceded in death by his brother Charles M. Lewis and granddaughter Nina Kaye Stimpson. Bill, as he was known to family and friends, was a loving husband to Marie B. Lewis, his wife of 61 years. He leaves behind his children Karl M. Lewis (Jennifer), Keith D. Lewis (Mary Jane), Karen L. McCarthy (Daryl), Kaye L. Berg (Don), and Kirsten L. Spirakis (Peter); and grandchildren Emily Lewis Golden (Brandon), Lydia and Mason Lewis, Kelly Anne Lewis Gill (Joshua), Caroline and Abigail Lewis, Cole and Andie McCarthy, Nathan and Lawson Berg, and Sara and Clay Stimpson; and great grandson Hudson Golden.
Bill was born in Ithaca, NY and spent his childhood and youth in Columbus, OH. After attending Rice University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Minnesota, he earned his Ph. D. in Plant Genetics. Bill spent his career at NC State University where he was a professor, and in research and extension for 38 years.
Bill was a man of great integrity with deep faith, and an intense love of family, friendships, travel and gardening. He was an active member and deacon of First Baptist Church for 61 years.
There will be a service at First Baptist Church, 99 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC on Saturday, June 30th at 1:00 pm, followed by a time of visitation. Burial will follow at 4:00pm at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church missions or a charity of your choice.
