Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Wilbur Leroy Lewis was born on July 6, 1942 to the late James and Maggie Taylor Lewis of Ansted, West Virginia. He was the second of three sons, between older brother, Clarence Lewis, who preceded him in death and Bernard Lewis. Wilbur spent his childhood and youth in Ansted. After accepting the Lord as his personal Savior, he joined the Mt. Chapel Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Sam Williams.

Wilbur began a career with the United State Army, and after serving a number of years he retired with an honorable discharge. He lived in several cities before settling back at his home in Ansted. His career life included employment at Long- Airdox Corporation in Oak Hill, WV, a contractor for construction of the New River Gorge Bridge, and he retired as a tram operator at the Hawks Nest State Park after many years.

He had a deep love for hunting, fishing, and always spending time with his family. Wilbur, also known by his nickname “Cowboy” to many of his friends and family, always had a quiet demeanor and a soft laugh, and he was always there to lend a helping hand in the community.

In 1965, he met and married Lena Poore, and they were married for 54 years. Brother Lewis was a soldier for the Lord. He loved giving God his praises. As a member of the Mt. Chapel Baptist Church, he served as a trustee and was a member of the church choir. He was always there to answer the requests of the pastor and the church. Wilbur was always giving and helping those around him who needed it. Wilbur loved his family, and always guarded and tried to protect them.

As life was slipping away from his body, Wilbur knew to put everything in God’s hands. In the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 9, 2021, Wilbur left his earthly home behind and entered eternal rest with his Heavenly Father, and all his loved ones who had gone on before him.

He leaves to cherish his fond memories and legacy his wife, Lena Lewis of Ansted; brother, Bernard Lewis of Dallas, Texas, special nephew, Hammond Lewis of Brooklyn, New York, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other friends.

Visitation for friends and the community will be held Wednesday, February 17, 2021, from 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm at Mt. Chapel Baptist Church, 100 Skaggs Street in Ansted, WV 25812. COVID-19 guidelines of wearing face masks and gloves and social distancing will be observed. A private funeral for family only will follow at 1:00 pm.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at http://ritchieandjohnson.com and also emailed to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com.

The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, including West Virginia University Medical Center, Kanawha Hospice, and especially Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor. Special thanks to Rev. Herman James and Sister Kay James.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.