Homer Lewis Biggerstaff

Homer “Lewis” Biggerstaff, 96, gently surrendered Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at his home in New Bern, NC. Lewis was born in Spindale, NC and grew up in Berea, Kentucky. He spent the summers in his beloved mountains of Hyden, KY at the home of his Grandparents. He received an honorable discharge from the US Navy in 1946 and attended the University of Kentucky Engineering School. After successfully pursuing his degree, he graduated and married Johanne Graham of Paducah, KY.

After engineering positions with several small tool and die shops, he moved to Alabama with Ford Motor Company. After 5 years with Ford, he moved to Indiana with Chrysler. In 1968 Lewis began a career with Arwood Corporation, a tool and die manufacturer with plants in California, Texas and High Point, NC where they chose to live. He and Johanne had seven children together. From his original position of manufacturing manager over the three plants, he rose to be president of Arwood and also served as the president of the SDCE industry trade group. He was a Senior Vice President of Interlake Steel after Interlake’s acquisition of Arwood.

Retirement took Lewis and Johanne to New Bern, NC. They were active members of the First Presbyterian Church. Lewis enjoyed sport fishing, especially the marlin tournaments. He was a wonderful friend to his neighbors in the Olde Towne community.

Lewis is survived by his children, Mary Biggerstaff, June Brinson (Alan), Julia Madeira (Andy), Morgan Biggerstaff (Kimberly) and Susan Biggerstaff; grandchildren, Joseph Biggerstaff and Frances Madeira. He was preceded in death by his wife, Johanne Graham Biggerstaff; their sons, Robert Lewis Biggerstaff and Charles Marshall Biggerstaff; his parents, Homer and Mary Biggerstaff; his sisters, Mary Elizabeth Biggerstaff and Ruth B. Berman and his brother, John Adkin Biggerstaff.

There will be a visitation at Cotten Funeral Home Saturday, May 13 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 15 at New Bern First Presbyterian Church.

Lewis was an Eagle Scout and the family requests charitable donations be made to Boy Scouts of America or a favorite charity.

Online condolences to the Biggerstaff family may be made to cottenfuneralhome.com