Donald Robert Lewis

Don joined the United States Navy when he was 17 years old and proudly served for 22 years. His ships included the USS Hamner, USS Glynn, USS LST, USS Dixie, USS Magoffin, USS Saint Paul, and the USS Frontier; and he served in the Korean War, the Japanese Occupation and other conflicts. After retiring from the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer in 1968, Don accepted a job as a Computer Programmer with IBM, again retiring after 19 years of service in 1987. Don also served in the Coast Guard Auxiliary for 34 years, where he was recognized and appreciated for his efforts as a teacher of boating safety and navigation and other courses, many of which he developed himself. Don was a diligent Information System Staff Officer for the Auxiliary. Don was always prompt, thorough, and enthusiastic In whatever he did. He earned many awards, recognitions, and commendations throughout his years with the Navy, IBM, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Don met and married the love of his life, Jacqueline Smith, in Waterbury, CT, in May of 1952. They partnered in raising four children who are so proud of them and love them very much.

Don was an avid outdoorsman, golfer, boater, and fisherman; and he loved to read. But most important to him was his wonderful, loving family, and especially his grandchildren. Don was a man with a high level of integrity, honesty and fairness; always willing to help others; always laughing, joking, and smiling. He will be remembered as loving husband, father and grandfather, a selfless man who will be dearly missed by everyone blessed to have been touched by his kindness.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jacqueline “Jackie” Lewis; children, Carol Thomas and her husband Rex, Donald Lewis and his wife Diane, Richard Lewis and his wife Brenda, Linda Bosworth and her husband Don and close family friend, Charlie Everett; brother, Walter Lewis and wife Georgia; grandchildren, Suzanne LaRocca, Amanda Sotomayor, Morgan Thomas, Taylor Lewis, Max Lewis and Jake Lewis; 4 great grandchildren and numerous other loving family members and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Ruth Adams.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at Highland United Methodist Church, 1901 Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Don’s memory to Coast Guard Foundation (PO Box 3891, St. Petersburg, FL 33731; www.coastguardfoundation.org); or to Veterans of Foreign Wars (917 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27601; www.vfw.org); or to a church or charity of your choice.