Howard Lewis Jr., 90, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve at his home in Spruce Pine, surrounded by loved ones. He was a member of Quinn Memorial Church of Christ.

Howard was a humble man yet humorous, kind, loving and extremely intelligent. His extraordinary mechanical abilities were well known among family, friends and neighbors. He cared for his children well and spoiled the grandchildren with many a trip to “the candy store.”

Widowed at age 26 with two small children, Howard remarried and embraced two additional children. A blended family simply became “our family.”

Howard leaves behind children, Howard Lewis III (Myra), Linda Davis (Dennis) and Debby Gaston (Sam); grandchildren, Clint Davis, Brent Davis, Joel Davis, Heather Willis, Ashley Barnes, Bethany Sheffield, Hayden Gaston, Robyn O’Connell, Carol Harwood and Amanda Turner Blais; great-grandchildren, Eva Gaston, Landon Sheffield, Avery Sheffield, Zach Willis, Annie Willis, Ellie Willis, Cassidy Barnes, Abby Butler, Caleb Davis, Katie Davis, Grissom Davis, Madison Davis, Matt O’Connell, Sean O’Connell, Kit Turner, Addison Blais, Quinn Blais, Alec Harwood, Andy Harwood and Jacob Harwood; and great-great grandchild Halston Butler.

Preceding him in death are parents, Howard Lewis Sr. and Marie Lone Lewis; wife, Nancy Paper Lewis; wife, Ira Mae Grissom Lewis; son, Kit Turner; and granddaughter, Jolene Turner.

The family would like to thank the loving care provided by Southern New Beacon Hospice, particularly Kate, Eli and Tammy Taylor.

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.

Pinkard Funeral Home of Russellville assisted the family. www.pinkardfh.com