Paul Arthur Lewis died peacefully at his home July 17, 2018. He was 95. Paul Lewis was born January 11, 1923 in Juliustown, New Jersey. An avid athlete he lettered in all four sports at Pemberton High School. He was offered a four year football scholarship at Rutgers but chose instead to enlist in the US Marine Corps and served in the Pacific during World War II. After his discharge at Miramar California Marine Corp Base he settled in Jacksonville. He began his post war working career as an 18 wheel truck driver for Shell Oil Company. He married Marie Rizk, whom he had met in Springfield, letting her drive his truck around the parking lot on some of their “free” fun dates. In 1954 Paul and Marie started Paul Lewis Tire Centers buying a Shell gas station on the corner of Normandy and Post. They then opened their first retail tire location on Lem Turner Rd. where Paul would change tires under the pecan tree. That first location grew to 12 area Paul Lewis Tire Centers before the company was purchased by Tire Kingdom in 2001 and currently occupies the sites of many of the original Paul Lewis Tire stores. Paul spent his remaining years actively managing his commercial real estate investments. He was ambitious, hardworking and a true example of the American dream. Although he was a risk taker, he never gambled. He said he gambled once when he married Marie and decided to quit while he was ahead. He loved his family, history, travel, time with his brother Les, the Rockies and the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Paul Lewis is survived by his children Carolyn (Brian) Wirz, Paulette, Paul II “Buster” (Dana), Lynda and Robert (Norma) Lewis. His grandchildren Jennifer and Savannah Lewis, his sister Blanche Mattson and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Marie and granddaughter, Catherine (Cassie).
Visitation will be held from 5-7pm, Monday, July 23, 2018 at Hardage-Giddens, the Oaklawn Chapel with a rosary at 5pm. Funeral services will be held at 10am, Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at the chapel. Entombment will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery with military honors.
Please Sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com
HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family.
