Michael Robert Lewis

Michael Robert Lewis (better known as Mike or Pappy to friends and family) passed away in Opelika, AL on April 3, 2025.  He went to be with his Lord and Savior after a brief battle with cancer comforted by the peace of knowing Jesus.  Mike was born on August 5, 1946 in Beech Hill, West Virginia to George Robert Lewis and Ethel May Lanier Lewis.  He is survived by his sister Sarah Lewis and wife Lynn.  Together they have five children Stacey Sanders (Shane), Jodi Prince (Matthew), Kalli Lewis Di Bella (Jeff), Kristen Lewis Waldron (Chris) and Bryon Archer (Krystal) and 14 grandchildren. 

Mike graduated from Point Pleasant High School in Point Pleasant, WV in 1964. He attended Marshall University and served as manager of the Marshal football team.  He then enlisted and served in the Army from 1969 to 1972.  After the Army, Mike spent most of his life associated with the aerospace industry.  He was honored to be part of NASA’S program for the Hubble Space Telescope which turned out to be an extreme success.  He worked on several programs for NASA and the Airforce Research Lab. He also went to Antarctica to test and research satellites.  During his role as field systems engineer in Antarctica, Mike was part of a 6-man team that developed and installed a new communications system to improve the transmission of data from the south pole station to scientists and universities in the US. Of all his travels his three trips to Antarctica were among his favorite.

Mike found true happiness in spending every opportunity to visit his children and grandchildren.   Mike and Lynn were always on the road, yes driving not flying, to visit their children and grandchildren living in Alabama, Maryland, New Jersey and Wisconsin.  After retiring and moving to Opelika he became a true Auburn fan and has enjoyed many sporting events with his Auburn friends and family.  Of course, everyone that knows Mike would say he was a golf fanatic.  He treasured his friends at Saugahatchee Country Club, and most always you could find him playing golf with the guys at Saugahatchee, his grandsons, family and friends (yes anyone that would play with him).  

His family describes him as unselfish and always radiating positivity.  He found enjoyment in helping others and throwing in a funny comment or joke every opportunity he could. Mike was also the family “handyman”.  Everyone went to Mike first to fix something or build something for them.   Lynn would tell you her love for Mike truly revolved around the fact that he was the most unselfish and kind person she’s ever known.  His adventurous side convinced Lynn to do the nine ziplines over the New River Gorge in West Virginia with him for their 65th birthdays.  Their birthdays are joint celebrations since he is one day older than her.  Mike felt one of his greatest blessings was that him and Lynn’s five children welcomed them into their homes and encouraged them to visit as often as they could and stay for as long as they liked.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a Veteran’s organization of your choice.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 14th, 2025 in his family hometown of Point Pleasant West Virginia – see details below:

Date and Time:

Saturday, June 14, 2025

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Refreshments will be served)

Location:

First Church of God (Gymnasium)

2401 Jefferson Avenue

Point Pleasant, WVA 25550

(304) 675-3842

Accommodations (A room block is being held at this hotel through May 31st)

Hampton Inn Gallipolis

444 Upper River Rd

Gallipolis, OH 45631

(740) 446-8000

BLOCK NAME:  Mike Lewis Memorial

Rates:  $110/night +tax (available June 13th and 14th)

Celebration of Life Contact: (For additional information or questions)

Sarah Lewis:  (304) 360-5088