John Authur Lewis, 67, of Jemison died on Feb. 15, 2010, at his residence. He was born on Dec. 13, 1942, in Chilton County, the son of the late George W. Lewis and the late Louie Elizabeth Peoples Lewis.
He was a cabinetmaker, but will be remembered mostly for his musical career. He got his first guitar at age 14 and played for over 20 years. He then began playing the steel guitar and even built his own at age 34. He had his own line of electric guitars (AX) that he custom made. He had an undying love for music. People came from miles and miles to hear him play. He left behind many, many friends he made while playing his music. In the ‘70s he toured with Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius and Wendy Holcomb. He gave up playing on the road to spend more time with his family, but he never stopped playing his guitars. Everyone who knew him loved him, not only for his music, but also for his exceptionally pleasing personality.
He was proud to watch his children and grandchildren perform and knew that his musical legacy will live on through their singing and playing. John was a beloved father, husband, brother and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife, Levada Horton Lewis; his daughters, Tammy Lewis (Bill) McCullough, Angela Lewis Davenport, Rhonda Beltz (Charles) Baker and Karen Beltz (James) Stone; sons, TJ (Nicole) Porter and Matthew (Amy) Porter; brothers, James (Cecile) Lewis and Hansel Lewis; sister, Joann Wyatt; grandchildren, Apache Baker (Pablo) Corona, Kellie Baker (William) Berry, Chantell Stone (Sean) Shaneyfelt, Casey (Kathleen) Stone, Whitley McCullough, Micah Davenport, Raina McCullough, Dakota Davenport, Evan McCullough, Tyler Porter, Jacob Porter, Rebecca Porter and Braden Porter; great-grandchildren, Jordan Corona, Serenity Corona, Jasmine Stone, Kenley Beasley and Gracie Berry; in-laws, Jim and Evaughn Gould of Columbiana and Billy and Sylvia Horton of Clanton; ex-son-in-law, Roy Davenport; his protégé Tyler Hall; very close friends Wanda Davis, Butch Shirley, Penny Porter and numerous others; and his companion and friend, his dog, JoJo. It is a great loss to everyone who knew John.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Louie Lewis; brothers, Pruitt Lewis, John Obie Lewis, Jessie Lewis and J.T. Lewis; sister, Lucille Lewis Vines; grandson, Easton McCullough; and great-grandsons, Cheyenne Corona, Clay Shaneyfelt and Cannon Shaneyfelt.
Visitation was held Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 5-8 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home Chapel in Clanton.
Services were Thursday, Feb. 18 at Martin Funeral Home Chapel at 1 p.m.
Interment followed at Pine Hill Cemetery in Jemison. Martin Funeral Home directed.