George Clarke Lewis, age 87, of Greenville, having run his race and finished his course, was graciously and gently received into the glory of his Heavenly Father on Sunday, October 23, 2005, at Spectrum Health United Memorial United Campus Greenville.
He was born in Midland County Michigan on March 5, 1918, the son of Fred and Emma (Clarke) Lewis. He was married to Helen M. Wilson in Coleman, Michigan, on August 21, 1941, and she preceded him in death on July 23, 2005. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Ralph and Edward (Bill) Lewis.
He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church of Greenville, where he currently served as an Elder and Clerk. He also served for many years with Alpha Prison Ministries.
His life was dedicated to the service of his Heavenly Father, his wife and family, his church and many individuals. He served for many years on the board of Lincoln Lake Baptist Youth Camp. He served in many capacities at Calvary Baptist Church, including Sunday School teacher for both youth and adults, Sunday School bus driver, Sunday School Superintendent and custodian. He graduated from the butter-making program at Michigan State University and from the evening bible institute of Grand Rapids Baptist Bible Institute, now Cornerstone University. He moved to Greenville to be a butter and ice cream maker, but soon began working in the building trades. He remained an accomplished carpenter and cabinet maker into his late years. He built and remodeled many, many houses, primarily in the Greenville area, and built toboggans, fishing boats, bird houses, planters, toys and many other items for the pleasure of his family. He loved to photograph people and nature. He enjoyed his ham radio and his “radio buddies,” gardening and ice cream.
He is survived by his children, Dora and Oscar Mazariegos of Greenville, Faith and Victor Priester of Grand Ledge, Hope and Daniel Badge of Greenville, John and Dawn Lewis of Greenville, his grand children; Danny Mazariegos, Teri and Chad Marsman, Brenda and Chris Corey, Lydia Mazariegos, Mark and Birgit Priester, Elizabeth and Soeren Steding, Christa and Mike Linderer, Alicia and Mike Charlefour, Kara and Darrell Scholten, Nathan and Shana Lewis and Stephen and Jaclyn Lewis, 10 great grandchildren, his brother Leon and Mary Lewis of Coleman, sisters in law, Margie Lewis of Willmore KY, Joan Lewis of Midland, Inez Stebelton of Clare, Jean and Clarence Lewis of Coleman, and Virginia Meredith of Snover, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be on Thursday October 27 2005 at 11 AM from Calvary Baptist Church with his Pastor Rev. R. Mark Shaw officiating. Burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery, Greenville. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville. Memorial contributions may be given in his name to Calvary Baptist Church.
