Deacon Freddie "Fred" Joseph Lewis

In His infinite wisdom and gentle grace, Almighty God reached down from Heaven and whispered ever so quietly to one of his children these words: Come with me my son for it is time to go home and so it was that Saturday, July 6, 2024, God closed the eyes of our beloved Fred.

Deacon Freddie “Fred” Joseph Lewis was born on July 17, 1943, in Franklin, New Orleans to the late Elder Fred Lewis and First Lady Lucille. He had four siblings, the late Lee Arthur Lewis, Gloria Lewis Edwards, the late Grace Lewis and the late Emmaline Lewis Marks. Deacon Fred Lewis graduated from Frances M. Boley High in 1962 and graduated from Southern University in 1967 as a 2nd Lieutenant. In 1968, Deacon Lewis married the late Emma Jean Riley Lewis. Together they raised two children, Colette and Damon Lewis. He later retired as a Captain in the Army Reserve and went to work as a Mechanical Engineer at the Westinghouse/SRP until his retirement. In 2002, Deacon Lewis married Missionary Betty Wilson Lewis from Denmark, South Carolina.

In 1968, Fred Lewis was ordained as a deacon in Columbia, South Carolina where he served for many years. He was instrumental in the start and formation of the Ecclesia Church of God in Christ. During his tenure he served as Senior Deacon and Chairman of the Finance department but availed himself where needed in support of his Pastor and church. Deacon Lewis moved to Augusta, Georgia and joined Friendly COGIC where he was elected as Chairman of the Board from 2002 – 2013 and the Budget Committee Chairman from 2002-2021. He was very influential in assisting the Pastor and the church in organizing the non-profit corporation for the Friendly COGIC. In 2012, he was appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer for Friendly COGIC Inc. of Augusta, GA by the late Superintendent Leroy James. In 2017, he was hired and served as Chief Financial Officer by the Trustee Board until he retired. In addition, he worked along with his wife for many years with the State and National Scholastic Motivational Ministries until his health failed. He worked with the local, jurisdictional and national SMM Robotics Ministry. Deacon Lewis loved the Lord; he was devoted to his family and his church. He contributed to several ministry milestones at Ecclesia and Friendly COGIC.

Deacon Lewis is survived by his wife, Missionary Dr. Betty Lewis and his children; Colette (Ricky) Hawkins, Damon Lewis, Sonia (Leonard) Westmoreland and Terrence (Karen) Wilson; five grandchildren, Dennis, Faithe, Rachyl, Grace and Naomi. He is survived by his sister Gloria Lewis Edwards; three sisters in laws: Elvena Lewis, Emma (Willie) Dowling, Barbara (Jimmy) Patterson and one brother in law, John (Rebecca) Wright and a host of nieces and nephews.

The service will be Saturday, July 13, 2024 at Friendly Church of God In Christ, 1115 Carrie Street, Augusta, GA 30901.