Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

On Wednesday, March 24, 2021 Michael Anthony Lewis was unexpectedly called home to his Lord and Savior.

Michael was born February 5, 1958 in Beckley, West Virginia to the late John and Marva Lewis. His early life was spent in the coal camps of McAlpin, WV. Eventually the family relocated to the big city of Beckley, WV. From an early age Michael loved the sport of football, participating in leagues from the time he was able to run. For his high school education Michael attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, West Virginia. Throughout his high school career Michael was a part of the Woodrow Wilson‘s football team as a superb running back. He was a two-time All-American with opposing teams constantly screaming for their players to, “Get Number 10”. For most of his career they were unable to. In 1976, he completed his high school career. Several years later he was inducted in WWHS’s Hall of Fame in 1982.

Michael accepted Christ at an early age. Later he rededicated his life to Christ. Being a faithful member of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Beckley West Virginia since recommitting his life to Christ. After becoming a deacon in 2011, Michael wore many hats within the church. He led the Church’s Breakfast/ Birthday Fund but took impromptu charge of the church’s landscaping for a time frame. One of the most valued impromptu positions he held was the church’s camera man, uploading videos to YouTube weekly. You can still access his recordings on the platform, I’m sure he would love to see people admiring his work.

Michael joined the United States Navy on Jan 12th, 1979. Through hard work and determination, he became a PO2/E5. Early Retirement, November 1995. He officially retired December 1, 2008.

After leaving the military, Michael continued his education. Obtaining his B.S. in Criminal Justice at Beckley College, in Beckley, WV. Later he attended Mountain State University also in Beckley, West Virginia, where he received his Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration.

Outside of studying the criminal justice system, Michael was a dedicated Bible scholar. Spending hours upon hours per day researching and studying God’s word. He was forever on a quest to gain wisdom on God’s word. He was our David, a man after God’s own heart.

Michael was preceded in death by his son, Michael Anthony Lewis II who was called home to Christ at an early age. He was also proceeded in death by his brother, Elder Ricardo Lewis, his sister Carol Lewis Cain, and nephew, Jeremy Lewis.

He leaves behind three beautiful daughters: Athena Lewis of Portsmouth, VA ; Mechelle Lewis of Alexandria, VA and Marva Lewis of Louisville, KY. He also leaves behind four grandchildren: TaNaijah, JaeLynn, Jacyeon, JaNayiah.

Michael is survived by four siblings, Elder Sterling Lewis ( Barbara), of Bluefield, WV, Rev. Steven Lewis, of Dayton, Ohio, Evangelist Tonya Lewis of Durham, NC, and Rafeal Lewis of Beckley, WV. Also left to treasure his memory are a host of special nieces and nephews that he loved as his own.

Military Accomplishments

• 1/16/80 -Honorable Discharge, Trp C, 1st Sqdn, 150th Armed Cav. Army National Guard • 6/20/80-Cert. of Graduation, Hospital Apprentice, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, USN. Emergency Medical Science Program. • 6/16/83-Hospital Corpsman 3rd class. • 1/29/84-Good Conduct Award, Fidelity Zeal Obedience • 12/11/87- Monitor Survey Course, US Marine Corps • 3/16/89-Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class • 6/21/89-Navy Fleet Marine Force Ribbon • 5/18/90-Completed Preventative Medicine Petty Officer training • 1991-National Disaster Medicsl System Safe & Successful application of simulated injuries to over 225 simulated airline crash casualities. • 2/16/94-Retention Team Decorations, Medals, Badges & Awards • National Defense Service Medal • Sea Service Deployment Ribbon • Fleet marine force Ribbon • Meritorious Unit Commendation • Sharp Shooter 9mm pistol shot ribbon • Sharp Shooter M16 Rifleman Ribbon • 3rd Good Conduct Award for 6/28/92

Funeral service will be 1:00PM Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church 142 Mool Ave. Beckley with Rev. Nelson Staples III officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends, while wearing gloves and masks and observing social distancing, may view one hour prior to the service.

Email condolences to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.