Obituary of Herman Lewis

Herman Lewis was born on November 26, 1928, to the late James Lewis Sr. and Hattie Mae Watson in Southern Pines, NC. Herman was blessed to be a part of a large family having fourteen (14) siblings, one who happen to be his twin sister Hermanese. His family was grounded in faith; at an early age he professed his belief in Jesus Christ and served as an active member at First Missionary Baptist Church in Southern Pines, NC. 

Herman graduated from West Southern Pines High School. In 1950 he joined the United States Army and served for two years. He continued his education at North Carolina Central obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Commerce in 1957. Herman settled in Washington, DC where he worked as a Supervisory Operation Accountant with Federal Housing Administration (HUD); Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in Washington, D.C. He retired after 35 years of service. 

Herman met the love of his life Esther Lucille Waters at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. They united in holy matrimony on June 9, 1962, in North Carolina and recently celebrated 59 years of marriage. Herman was a provider and adored his wife. From this union they had three children Pamela (deceased), Latonia Maria and Gregory Anthony Lewis.

Herman was active man.  He enjoyed bowling but anyone who knew him knew that golf was his passion. He was a charter member of the Foreball Golf Club, a member of Par 24 and the Postal Golf Club of Washington, D.C. He played in various golf tournaments and made many friends through golf who he considered family. He was most fond of the tournaments played with his brothers, nephews and cousins during family reunions. His love for golf touched the lives of young golfers who he mentored and donated golf equipment and apparel to.  

As a result of his generous spirit, Herman was loved by many. He was a loving family man, faithful servant to his church and community. Herman loved his family and friends. He worked tirelessly to carry on the Lewis-Watson Family & Friends Reunions, hosted many Redskin parties and cookouts, and opened his home as a place of rest.  He was an active member of his beloved alma mater North Carolina Central and a member of the Society of Golden Eagles Class of 1957.  Herman understood the meaning of charity and generously supported many organizations. In his spare time, he was a helping hand neighbor and volunteered with the SHARE program feeding those in need. His heart for helping those in need was as beautiful as a manicured fairway, and his influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew him.

On Sunday, October 3, 2021, Herman passed away peacefully. He was preceded in death by daughter Pamela Lewis; siblings Anne Mae, Beulah, Lucille, Thomas, Thomasina, Dalton, Levot, James, Allen, Norma, Doretha, and Nathaniel. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Esther Lewis; daughter Latonia Lewis; son Gregory Lewis; three grandchildren Dominique Higdon, Isaiah Lewis, NyAsia Lewis; twin sister Hermanese Stevenson;  nephews Leonard (Butch) Clark (Cecilia), Larry Reeves (Beanie deceased); Winslow Griffin and niece Rita Anderson who he served as a father figure to; best buddy Dudley Millen, beloved neighbors Rudy and Stephanie Yates; and a host of devoted and loving nieces, nephews, cousins and other special friends and golf buddies.