Billy Lewis

Mr.Billy "Bill" J. Lewis, age 88, of Pisgah Highway, Candler, NC passed away peacefully January 31, 2018. Bill was born in Bryson City, NC on August 20, 1929; the son of late Banner Lewis and Essie Carson Lewis Herron. Bill served in the US Army as a dedicated Master Sargent (retired) for 22 years. He completed 3 Tours of Duty in Korea, an additional 3 Tours in Europe, and a final Tour in Japan. After serving our Country, Bill spent several years as a vendor at various neighborhood flea market selling vegetables and plants of all varieties. He was a country gentleman and every summer grew gardens of corn, tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, and mammoth sunflowers. Bill also enjoyed canning pickles, relish, and chow-chow from the vegetables he grew in his garden. Bill was a dedicated NASCAR fan, supporting the Hendrick team drivers Jeff Gordon and Jimmy Johnson.
In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by wife Elzie M. Lewis; son Tommy Lewis; brother, Jim Lewis; sister Jackie McCollum; step brother Clayton Lewis; step son-in-law, and friend, Tom Sitton; and Carl Wiggins
He is survived by his half-brother, Harry (Alice) Lewis; nephews, Aaron and Robert Lewis, all of Robbinsville, NC; nieces, Cindy Benfield of Nashville, TN, Becky Gibson of Maryville TN, and Kay Wade of Shelbyville, KY; step-daughters, Clara P. Wiggins of Monroe, NC, Joanne P. Sitton of Candler, and Wanda (Blake) P. Wiggins of Monroe, NC; step-grandchildren, Chris and John Wiggins, Elizabeth W. Freund, Kimberly S. Burdett, Eric Sitton, and Joy and Tony Wiggins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the VFW or Charity of your choice.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, February 5th at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Candler.
Moore Funeral Home at Forest Lawn is assisting the family. Please visit www.moorefh.net to sign the online guest book.