Lewis Wilson

Lewis David Wilson was born on March 24, 1930, in Catawba County, North Carolina. He was the eleventh of fourteen children born to Clarence David and Eliza Mae Wilson. His parents and eleven siblings preceded him in death.

Lewis acquired his formal education from the school system in Catawba County, NC, and graduated from Central High School in 1948. After graduation, he attended North Carolina College in Durham, NC, for a brief period prior to enlisting in the US Army. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg Army Base in NC until 1952.

After his honorable discharge from the military, Lewis relocated to Cleveland. He attended the Cleveland Institute of Music, where the tenor saxophone was his instrument of choice, and Moody Bible College. He began employment at Midland Ross Steel and became a member of William T. Boyd Masonic Lodge.

On July 15, 1956, Lewis married Agnes McCorkle of Newton, NC. The couple made Cleveland their home and became the proud parents of two sons, Dwayne and Darryl.

In 1960, while raising a family and working at Midland Ross Steel, Lewis established his own business, called Sunset Auto Body, which was located on East 71st Street. After leaving employment with Midland Ross, operating the business became his full-time job. He met many interesting people and used the business to train his son, Darryl. He owned and operated the business until his retirement.

At an early age, Lewis accepted Christ as his Savior. He was baptized and trained in the ways of the Lord through Maiden Chapel Baptist Church in Maiden, NC. Upon moving to Cleveland, he joined Shiloh Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Rev. A. Henson Jarmon. He was a member of Shiloh for over 60 years. He served faithfully as a deacon for over fifty years, being chairman for over 12 . He also served as superintendent of the adult Sunday school, men's day chairman, leader of the March fellowship group, and a member of both the male chorus and gospel choir. After joining Antioch, Lewis served faithfully in the veterans' class of the Sunday School. He loved to study and teach the Bible. At Antioch, he enjoyed singing in the Men's Day choir and participating in the worship service as a regular member until his health prevented him from active participation.

Lewis loved to travel, especially to his hometown in North Carolina. He never met a stranger and will always be remembered for his loving and generous spirit. He loved his family and cherished his friends.

Lewis D. Wilson departed his earthly life for his heavenly reward on November 21, 2024, at the Cleveland VA Hospital. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Agnes, sons Dwayne and Darryl (Meri), grandson Matthew, sister Gladys McCorkle, brother Henry Wilson, two great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.