Mr. Joe R. Lewis born November 18, 1946 in Big Branch, KY. Joe departed this earth on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at his residence in Wooton, KY. He was 73 years old.
Joe was the son of the late Charlie Lewis & the late Orpha Johnson Lewis. A lifelong resident of Leslie County and one of 11 children, Joe understood the importance of family and home. Joe was a very intelligent man and a hard worker, both characteristics leading to his numerous accomplishments in life, many of which were special undertakings with his beloved and late twin brother, Jerry Lewis.
Joe worked his way through college, graduating from Cumberland College in 1969, and through pharmacy school, graduating from Mercer School of Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia in 1972. During his younger years, he enjoyed working on his small businesses, which included the Imperial Club and Sassafrass Furniture. Joe worked as a pharmacist at Mary Breckinridge before opening an independent pharmacy in 1992., Hometown Pharmacy, with partner and long-time friend, Doug Morgan. Joe's favorite part of his job was taking care of patients and putting their needs first, and he loved his pharmacy family. Hometown Pharmacy still serves the Leslie County community in the Hurts Creek Shopping Center, owned by Joe and family friend Jim Robinette.
Joe Lewis served on the Leslie County School board for 16 years. Joe belonged to the Hyden Masonic Lodge 664 and was an Oleika Shriner. Joe loved Nascar and photography. A pilot, a scubadiver, a world traveler, a musician, a hunter, a fisherman and most certainly a storyteller, Joe lived a very full life.
Of all his accomplishments, his greatest one was his only child and son, Derek Lewis, born October 31st, 1986 to Joe and former wife, Barbara Redmond. Joe was very proud of Derek and Derek's accomplishments are a testament to his father's work ethic and values. Joe became a grandfather June 18th, 2017, when Derek Lewis and his wife, Brittany, welcomed Athena Joelle Lewis.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother Jerry, brothers Seldon, James and Roy. One sister, Gracie.
Joe leaves the surviving one son, Derek Lewis and his wife, Brittany. One treasured granddaughter, Athena Joelle Lewis. Sisters Ethel Feltner, Dixie Napier, Bessie Combs and late husband Dennis, Leona Hamrick and husband Richard and Ann Smith and husband Ernest. Two sisters-in-law Geneva Lewis and Helen Lewis. Joe also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends to mourn his death.
Joe's visitation will take place at the Dwayne Walker Funeral Home, Hyden, KY. on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 6:00-9:00 P.M. with Masonic Rites service at 7:00 P.M. and the funeral service at the Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Billy Joe Lewis, Rev. Ted Couch & Larry Hendrix officiating. The interment will follow at the Lewis Family Cemetery (Hemlock Drive), Hyden, KY. with the nephews serving as pallbearers; Kris Lewis, Todd Deppenmeir, Randy Deppenmeir, Charlie Deppenmeier, Jamie Lewis, Ryan Lewis, Richie Hamrick, Covey Lewis and Larry Lewis. Family and close friends are invited to Joe's house in Wooton after leaving the cemetery.
You may offer your condolences to the family @www.dwaynewalkerfuneralhome.com
