passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2023.
A visitation will be held on Monday, March 13, 2023 10am -12 pm at Parker Memorial Baptist Church. A funeral service will immediately follow visitation. Entombment will be held at Forestlawn Gardens and Mausoleum.
Dr. Lewis is survived by his wife, Nancy Lewis, his daughter Dr. Karen
Lewis Connell (Russ), his son Dr. David S. Lewis (Wendy), his step sons
Jeff Johnston (Jessica), Jason Johnston, and Jonathan Johnston (Tiffany);
his grandchildren Edwin Connell, Estella Connell, Heather Howell, several
step-grandchildren and his nephew, Wade Davies.
Dr. Lewis was preceded in death by his parents Arthur Erwin Lewis, Sr. and
Dorothea Schaefer Lewis, his wife Mary John (Seymore) Lewis and his
sister Dorothea Lewis Davies.
Dr. Lewis was born in Birmingham on October 5, 1942. He went to
Avondale Elementary. He graduated from Phillips High School where he
was president of his senior class and of the National Honor Society. He
was an Eagle Scout. He attended Birmingham Southern College before
entering UAB School of Dentistry in September 1963. On August 20, 1966,
he talked Mary John Seymore into marrying him. She was and will always
be, the love of his life. He served three years in the US Army Dental
Corps, including a tour of duty in South Vietnam. He was Chief of Dentistry
of the 61st Medical Detachment in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged
in May 1970. He continued to serve in the Alabama Army National Guard,
eventually attaining the rank of Colonel, and was Commander of the 550th
Medical Detachment, retiring in 1997.
Dr. Lewis practiced dentistry in Anniston, Alabama from 1971 to 2011. He
was a fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and lifelong member of
the American Dental Association. He was a past president of the 5th
District Dental Society and a generous supporter of UAB School of
Dentistry.
Dr. Lewis, or “Art”, served as a deacon at Parker Memorial Baptist Church
for decades. He was active in the Kiwanis Club of Anniston and was a
Gideon. He was involved in medical missions, both local and abroad. He
was instrumental in starting the Interfaith Dental Clinic, generously
donating his equipment and time.
Dr. Lewis was a loving husband, father, uncle and grandfather. He was our
hero, mentor and our friend. He was a joyful and faithful servant of our
Lord and Savior, always giving of himself to those in need, freely and
without hesitation. He was truly a friend to all, compassionate, kind and
caring. We will all truly miss him, but know that he is now rejoicing in
Heaven.
Serving as pallbearers are David Phillips, Bill Thrash, Jonathan Johnston
(in honor of Butch Johnston), Greg Montgomery, Pat Snow and Alex
Charleston. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Anchor and
Covenant Sunday school classes of Parker Memorial Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Alabama Baptist Children’s
Home, Lottie Moon International Missions or Samaritan’s Purse.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.graybrownservice.com for the Lewis family.
