James Ulysses Lewis, Sr.

James Ulysses Lewis, Sr., 102, departed this life Monday, October 2, 2023, at home in Harrisburg, NC.

Son of the late Bishop Robert Leon and Fernie Lewis, James was born September 25, 1921, in Greensboro, NC. Along with his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife, Ella Mae Lewis, and daughter, Cynthis Lewis Schaal. James is survived by his daughter, Sherida Lewis Stevens, and her husband Ernest Stevens; his only son, James U. Lewis, Jr., and wife Lori Lewis; daughter Anita Lewis; ten grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; a host of friends and brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.

 After graduation from James B. Dudley High School in Greensboro, NC in 1939, James studied at Hampton Institute in Virginia, and then married Ella Mae Brooks, his high school sweetheart. The newlyweds moved to Harlem, NY where James became a merchant seaman, serving on Liberty ships during World War II. Following the birth of their first child, they returned to North Carolina in 1947 where James purchased an 18-wheeler, and began transporting freight throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

An avid proponent of service and entrepreneurship, James continued his trucking operation into his eighties to provide for himself and family. James instilled that philosophy and work ethic into his family as evidenced by their participation in the US military, community service organizations, and businesses owned.

Throughout his life, James actively supported the churches founded by his grandmother, Bishop Alease J. Lewis Richmond – Skeens Chaple Holiness Church in Greensboro, NC, Lewis Grove Holiness Church in Liberty, NC, and Johnson Chapel Holiness Church in Wadesboro, NC, where he served as a Deacon. In his final years, One Church of Charlotte in Charlotte, NC cared for James’ spiritual needs.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at One Church of Charlotte, 8823 Albemarle Road in Charlotte, NC. Visitation with the family will be held prior to the service at 1:00 p.m.

Harrisburg Funeral & Cremation is serving the Lewis family. Online condolences may be made at www.HarrisburgFC.com .