Jerry R. Lewis

Amory - Jerry Ray Lewis, 76, died on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. Born December 28, 1935 he was a son of the late Harold Ray Lewis and the late Helena Harrell Brinegar.

He married Maribeth Wall; she died in February 2012. A graduate of Newton High School, he received his Bachelor’s degree in History from Mississippi State University. He later received his Master’s degree in school administration also from MSU. Before his retirement from the public school system, he taught at Amory High School, was Title I director, Principal at East Amory Elementary, Principal at West Amory Elementary, coached Jr. High football, and was known as the “Voice of the Panthers” for nearly 30 years. He was a member of the Meadowood Baptist Church and he cherished his time with his children and grandchildren. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, Big “O” Hunting Club, and the Kappa Sig Fraternity. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, reading, geography, watching television, and playing with his dogs, Gizmo and Rocky.

A Celebration of Life Service will be 1 p.m. Monday, October 8, 2012 at the E.E. Pickle Funeral Home Chapel in Amory with Dr. Lloyd Sweatt officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jimmy Forbus, Jay Horn, Bobby Harper, Ronnie Herndon, Jimmy Glenn, and Lee Miller. Honorary pallbearers will be Mabry “Bro.” Allison, E.C. Carpenter, Jim Burrow, Harlan Prestridge, and Kelly Faulkner; members of Big “O” Hunting Club; and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.

Survivors include one son, Jerry M. Lewis (Rhonda) of Becker; and two daughters, Betty Lewis Bagwell (Joe) of Amory and Jane Lewis Maxey of Amory; 6 grandchildren, Carroll Slack Lee (Seth), Matthew Lewis, Emily Hurt Faulkner (Jess), Byron Zackary Hurt IV (Dana), Josh Maxey, and Sarah Beth Maxey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 53 years, Maribeth Lewis; his mother, Helena Brinegar; his stepfather, Darrell M. Brinegar; his father, Harold R. Lewis; his stepmother, Mae Lewis; and his brother, Roger Dean Brinegar.

Visitation will continue until service time on Monday at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be expressed at eepicklefuneralhome.com

Memorials may be sent to Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl., New York, NY 10001 or to the Amory School System.