Philip Lester Lewis

Philip Lester Lewis, 79, of Harkers Island, NC passed away on Sunday, September 29th, 2024, at Carteret Health Care, Morehead City, NC.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00PM on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at the Angeline Willis Cemetery, Harkers Island, NC. The family will receive friends for a visitation at Bridgeway Church, Beaufort, NC, on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 6:00 – 8:00PM.

Phil was born on October 8, 1944, in Morehead City, NC to his parents Ira and Maggie Lewis of Harkers Island. He had one older sister, Margaret Ann (born 1942). During his childhood, his family lived in New York while his father, Ira, served in the US Coast Guard in several places, including the East Moriches Lifeboat Station, and at the Montauk Lighthouse on Long Island as the lighthouse keeper. Many times, his dad would let Phil go on Coast Guard patrol with him, and he was a witness to his dad performing a 7-person rescue when he was 10 years old. He loved to spend time with his dad, especially going hunting together. After his dad retired, the family moved back to Harkers Island in 1959.

 After high school, Phil worked at the shingle plant in Morehead City for a while, followed by 6 years in the US Coast Guard Reserves. On December 6, 1969, Phil married Alice Jean Sutton, and they built their home beside his parents in the 1970s. He then worked at Cherry Point as a machinist for over 30 years and retired in 1998. His passion for hunting continued throughout his life, and he loved to talk with his cousins Houston, Jamie, and Paulie Lewis about it. He also enjoyed reloading and target shooting with his sons and step-grandsons.

Phil is survived by his wife, Alice Jean Lewis (Harkers Island); their sons, Bruce (Newport) and Tracy (Havelock, and his wife, Rebecca Lewis); his daughter, Tara Guthrie (Sanford); his sister, Margaret Ann Rose (Harkers Island); his grandchildren, Ethan Lewis, Ian Lewis, and Maggie Lewis; and his sister-in-law, Virginia Jackson (Richlands).

 He is preceded in death by his parents, Ira, and Maggie Lewis.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net. 

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Beaufort, NC.