Rev. C. Douglas Lewis

Rev. C. Douglas Lewis went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 6, 2016.

Doug was born on April 9th, 1947 in Abingdon, Virginia and grew up in Bristol, Tennessee.

He is survived by his wife, Chaplain Teresa Bailey Lewis, Two daughters, Glennette Turner and her husband Tom of Spartanburg, SC and Glenesa Causby of Forest City, NC, Five Grandchildren, and his father, Rev. Clarence P. Lewis. He was proceeded in death by his loving mother, Voreata Grindstaff Lewis, his grandparents Judge Herman Grindstaff and Myrtle Greer Grindstaff and Homer Lewis and Margaret Lundy Lewis.

Doug was a graduate of Bristol Tennessee High School. During his high school years he was President of the Bible Club and played football. He attended Carson Newman College where he received a BS in Sociology and Psychology. During his time with Carson Newman he became a member of the National Service Fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. As a part of his college career he took the opportunity to study in Germany and Austria. He attended Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth Texas where he earned a Master's Degree in Religious Education. While there he was elected president of the Student Religious Education Association. He was honored three years by Outstanding Young Men of America for his voluntary services in the community, professional leadership, academic achievement and civic and political participation. Doug followed God's call in Christian Ministry and was ordained in 1988 at Sunset Village Baptist Church where he served as Youth Minister.

Doug felt it an honor to serve his country as a Navy officer. While in the Navy he worked in the Spiritual Care Department. He often led music for worship services.

In addition to his educational and military career Doug served as Director of Education and Recreation for the Tri States Baptist Children's Home. He was Resident Director at Carson Newman College, Dean of Student Services at Dallas Baptist College and Gardner Webb College, and Vice President of Student Development at Limestone College. While in Texas he served as minister of music at Roanoke Baptist Church. His most recent ministry was with the Department of Corrections where he felt it was an honor to teach their High School and GED program. He found it a joy to spend time with the inmates and prayed to be an encouragement to them.

Doug was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather who was loved by all who knew him. He was affectionately called Bigun by his college friends.

The funeral service for Rev. Lewis was held at Woodlawn Baptist Church, 1400 Southside Avenue, Bristol, TN 37620, with Rev. Steve Playl officiating. The committal service and interment followed, in Glenwood Cemetery. Military honors were conducted by the Bristol VFW Honor Guard. Pallbearers: Bill Crosswhite, Rev. Robbie Carty, Larry McSwain, Butch Beverly, Dale Rice, Dick Rice and Ray Sproles.

Memorials may be made to the Woodlawn Baptist Church Family Life Center Fund and Open Arms Hospice, 1836 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC.

The family would like to thank Open Arms Hospice for the loving care they gave Doug in his last days. They would also like to thank More Than Sitters for three years of excellent caregiving and First Light for their recent support.

Arrangements held by Weaver Funeral Home and Cremation Services.