Cover photo for John Ray Lewis's Obituary
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John

John Ray Lewis

d. May 28, 2021

John Ray Lewis, 73 of Jasper passed away on Friday, May 28, 2021. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at First Baptist Church in Jasper with Bro. Donnie Wiltshire officiating. Interment will follow at North Baptist Cemetery in Jasper. The family will greet friends on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the church.

Mr. John Ray Lewis will forever be remembered as a beloved husband, father, uncle, friend, and neighbor. Growing up in the fertile fields and waterways of southern Arkansas, he spent his youth learning the meaning of hard work, sacrifice, true friendship, and loyalty. Life was filled with family, friends who became family, hunting, and fishing to help provide and learning a work ethic that would define who Mr. Lewis would be in both his professional and private life. His love of the U.S.A. and the outdoors never left as he became a soldier, career forester, skilled woodsman, avid marksman, hunter, and fisherman, who traveled much of North America in pursuit of wild game.

On February 10, 1968, he married the love of his life, Janice Marie, and they shared 53 years laughing, working tirelessly, parenting, hunting, and fishing. Shortly after they were married, John Ray, a true patriot began his distinguished service in the United States Army, serving in the 75thInfantry. Upon returning home, by the grace of God, he continued a career in the forestry industry that would span more than 50 years. He and Janice welcomed a daughter on February 22, 1971, and a more loving father will never be found. He worked for large timber companies, which eventually took their family to Jasper in the Piney Woods of East Texas. After a few more years working for L &M and Louisiana Pacific, he decided to begin his own forestry management company, JR’s Forest Service. Many of his professional contacts became lifelong friends. Outdoor adventures never ceased as he shared truly countless adventures with his treasured wife, family, and brothers by friendship. His relationship with God was always a private matter to John Ray. Having accepted Christ earlier in life, he chose to be baptized here at First Baptist Church of Jasper, just two short years ago in obedience to Christ. John Ray is survived by his treasured wife of 53 years, Janice Marie Lewis; daughter Donna Michelle McCann; Grandchildren James Devin McCann and Andrew Lewis McCann; siblings Vera Marie Pazimo and Susan Kay Johnson; nieces and nephews Brennan Luke, Jennifer Leigh, Kaylin Shae, Morganne Alysse, and Zachary Colton Tomlinson, Ledy Kathlene and Reginald Scott Messina, Stacy Messina and Tara Nicole Howell. He is preceded in death by his mother Cora Catherine Van, father Henry Alexander Lewis, Jr. and sister Marion Lewis. John Ray was a man filled with the love of life, Janice, Donna and all of his friends and family. He will be dearly missed until we see him again in Heaven.  As Johnny said at a dear friend’s funeral, “Sometimes it sure can be tough having good friends.” It is safe to say that many feel that way today. Rest easy JR/honey/Daddy and friend, watch over Janice and enjoy those heavenly hunting grounds. Until we see you again. Psalm 23. Condolences can be posted at www.shultzfuneralhomeofjasper.com or on Facebook at Shultz Funeral Home &Crematory.

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