Thomas Rugine Lewis, 82, and his loving wife Carole Landis Shearin Lewis, 77, both went home to be with our Lord.
Thomas passed on Monday afternoon, October 29, 2018 at his home in Roanoke Rapids, NC; Carole passed on Wednesday afternoon, October 31, 2018 at WakeMed in Raleigh, NC following an illness.
Thomas and Carole are survived by their son and daughter-in-law, Timothy R. Lewis and Linda M. Lewis of Roanoke Rapids, NC; her brother Marshall Shearin of Roanoke Rapids, NC; their nephews Lee Shearin, Andy Shearin, Chris Shearin, and Blair Shearin; her sister Dawn Wray and spouse Joe Wray of Weldon, NC; their nephew Chad Wray and spouse Chelsy Wray and children Corbin and Caley of Charleston, SC; their niece Kim Bolte and spouse Blandford Bolte and son Grayson of Wake Forest, NC ; her sister Debbie Sanders and spouse Wayne Sanders of Littleton, NC; their nephew Caleb Sanders and spouse Kristen Sanders and son Dawson of Littleton, NC; their niece Chelsie Sanders of Raleigh, NC; his brother Wayne Lewis and his nephew Chris Lewis, both of Roanoke Rapids, NC. They are also survived by their step-grandson Mark Wollerman, of Raleigh, NC.
Thomas was born November 2, 1935 in Roanoke Rapids to parents Murphy Rugine Lewis and Gracie Virginia Taylor Lewis, both now deceased.
He served in the Korean War as an Airman II Class (A2C) in the 836th Air Force Group (TAC), and married the love of his life, Carole, on March 26, 1960.
They welcomed their son into this world on February 6, 1961. After the war was over, he came back to the states, completed training, and served in the United States Coast Guard out of Virginia for six years.
Thomas had a buoyant, outgoing, personality and this character trait is what enabled him to enjoy a successful lifelong career as a life insurance representative in the Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina area.
Carole was born August 27, 1941 in Roanoke Rapids to parents Leonard Marshall Shearin and Gladys Lee Mabrey Shearin, both now deceased.
She worked at Byrd’s Grocery, as a supervisor at West Point Stevens, and as a supervisor at Lowe’s Foods before retiring.
They were an inseparable couple and were devoted to each other.
Weep not for us though we have gone
Into that gentle night
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon our soul’s sweet flight
We are at peace, our souls at rest
There is no need for tears
For with your love we were so blessed
For all those many years
We will always carry your memories in our hearts
A memorial service to celebrate Thomas and Carole’s life will be held 5:00 P.M. Thursday, November 8, 2018 in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service with Rev. Randy Martin officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.