Lewis Henry Longest Jr.

Lewis was born, raised, and lived his entire life in the Richmond area, graduating from Hermitage High School, Class of ‘62. He discovered his love of photography while still in high school when he and his friend George Clark began taking wedding photographs and formed Lewis & Clark Photography. His passion grew and he became a partner in Al Cothran Studio in 1970 and studied at the Winona School of Professional Photography. He bought out his partner in Al Cothran Studio in 1975, and rebranded to Action Photo Company, moving to Carytown, and expanding his art to include aerial and commercial photos, official headshots, weddings, formal portraits and legal casework photography. But Lewis’ favorite place was in the dark room bringing those images to life. His love of the art was shared with others as he served as President, Governor, and VPPA Magazine Editor within the Virginia Professional Photography Association (VPPA) throughout the years. The VPPA also presented him with his Fellow of Photography Degree in 1985. Lewis went on to receive Outstanding Service Awards from the Professional Photographers of America and earned his Certified Professional Photography Degree in 1988.

Over the years, he was a member of the Thomas N. Davis No. 351 Masonic Lodge and served as the official photographer for the Grand Lodge of Virginia. Lewis held the honor of being a Paul Harris Fellow and a “Parky” Parkinson Award recipient in the West Richmond Rotary Club while also serving as the club’s Historian. In addition, he was a member and past Director of the West Richmond Business Men’s Association.

He served as President of the Dixieland Chapter of the International Nippon Collectors Club (INCC) and enjoyed attending many conventions across the United States. He and his wife BJ delighted in driving cross-country on multiple vacations simply to sightsee in places like the Grand Canyon, Mt. Rushmore and the Pacific Coast Highway.

Lewis is survived by his wife of 39 years, BJ Longest; his daughters Michelle Longest, and Kelly Heitz (Brian); his stepdaughter, Bonnie “Charlie” Weis (Bobby); his brother Larry Longest (Sharon); and two sisters, Luretta Graham, and Lindy Harvell (Bryant); his grandchildren David Mann, Jr. (Heather), Kasey Argabrite, Megan Minnick (Jonathan), and Emily Mann. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis (Sr.) and Avnell Longest.

The Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Parham Chapel of Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23229. The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Parham Chapel of Woody Funeral Home. The Committal Service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Monday, November 9, 2026, at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 4000 Pilots Ln, Richmond, VA 23222. Those wishing to join the family for the committal are welcome to meet them at the cemetery at 10:45 AM to show their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad or Lakeside Fire Station 5. Donations can be made by clicking the donation link below.