Chad Wayne Lewis, Sr.
Chad Wayne Lewis, Sr., 79, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2022.
Chad was born on November 14, 1943, to Lawrence and Norma Helen Lewis in Harlan County, Kentucky. On January 19, 1962, he and Judy Kay Cornett, along with their parents, crossed Black Mountain from Harlan to Sneedville, Tennessee and were married by Reverend Amos Presley, an uncle of the late Elvis Presley. They moved to Michigan the next day in hopes of building a new life away from the coal mines. He and Judy had their first child, Helen Gail, in 1964 followed by Chad Jr. in 1967, and Mary Evelyn in 1973. Chad began his career at Corning Glass Works in Albion and, subsequently, Owen-Illinois Glass in the maintenance department. As evidence of his work ethic, Chad attended Lansing Community College where he earned his electrician license, all while working full-time in maintenance, being an involved father and husband, and building their new house in Springport in 1976. He retired as an industrial journeyman electrician after more than 40 years with O-I in Charlotte.
Chad spent most of his time in retirement with his best friend, Judy. After 31 years of marriage, they separated but remained great friends and companions. They often took day trips together, gardened, enjoyed Chinese food, and never passed by a Goodwill store without stopping. Chad particularly enjoyed holidays and family gatherings, where he would always comment on the great food and how it made him happy to have his family all together. In his words, “Judy is the best cook in this world” and “it sure is nice to have all the family together, wouldn’t ya say, Jude?”
He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Kenneth and Henry. He is survived by two brothers, Larry Lewis and Jerry (Denise) Lewis; his ex-wife, Judy; daughter, Helen (Mick) Collier; son, Chad (Sue) Lewis, Jr.; daughter, Mary (Don) Cesco; seven grandchildren: Dave (Kendra) Leib, Chris (Jessica) Bouvier, Courtney (Kirk Underwood) Lewis, Jana (Calvin) Powell, John (Ashley) Lewis, Josh Cesco, and eleven great-grandchildren.
In accordance with Chad’s wishes, a private memorial service for the family will take place at a later date.