Dr. Thomas Wiley "T.W." Lewis III

Known to all as “T. W.,” he was a beloved minister, professor, mentor, and lifelong supporter of Millsaps College whose connection to the college spanned more than seventy years.

T. W. was born in Columbus, Mississippi on May 27, 1931, to Mary Francis Lewis and Thomas Wiley Lewis Jr. He graduated from Columbus Lee High School in 1949, where he was a standout athlete. He attended Millsaps College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1953. While at Millsaps he served as Student Body President and was a four-year letterman in football, beginning his love of Millsaps athletics.

In 1952 he married Julia Evelyn Aust of Clarksdale, Mississippi. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and service and raised two children, Tom and Catherine.

T. W. went on to earn a Bachelor of Divinity from the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in 1956, where he was a John M. Moore Fellow. He later received his Ph.D. from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey in 1965.

He first served The United Methodist Church as pastor of the four-church Macon Circuit in Noxubee County, Mississippi. After completing his doctorate, he joined the faculty of Millsaps College, where he taught religious studies for 32 years.

To thousands of students, Dr. Lewis was far more than a professor. He was a mentor, a thoughtful guide through difficult questions of faith and society, and a steady presence who cared deeply about the lives and futures of his students. Even after retirement, he remained closely connected to Millsaps, frequently attending campus events and cheering on its athletic teams.

A man of deep faith and conviction, T. W. believed strongly in love and justice for all of God’s children. During the turbulent years of the 1960s he was often found in what he jokingly called “good trouble,” advocating for civil rights and speaking out for those whose voices were too often unheard. Never one to shrink from speaking truth to power, he sought to live the words of Matthew 25:35–40 in his daily life.

Known as “Pop” to his grandchildren, he took great delight in their lives and activities and followed their interests and accomplishments with pride and enthusiasm.

T. W. attended Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the Barbara & Barry Powell Christian Fellowship Sunday School Class.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia Aust Lewis.

He is survived by his children, Tom Lewis (Roberta) and Catherine Wiygul (Tom); grandchildren Thomas Wiygul (Blair), Emma Wiygul, Rachel Wiygul , and Samuel Wiley Lewis.

Funeral services will be held at Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church on March 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made in T. W.’s name to Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church or to the Dr. T. W. & Julia Lewis Scholarship Fund at Millsaps College.