Terry A. Lewis, 80, of Morgantown, passed away peacefully at his home on July 3, 2024.
He was born Dec. 26, 1943, to the late Albert and Clara Lewis. He was the youngest of eight siblings.
Terry is survived by his cherished wife of 59 years, Ellen Lewis. He is also survived by one son, Matthew (Karen) Lewis; daughter, Renee (Dwayne) Bailey, and daughter Brandy Lewis, who both Terry and Ellen committed their lives to lovingly care for her special needs. He was very proud of his three grandsons, Adam Lewis, Christopher Lewis, and Kendall Bailey. He is survived by his four remaining siblings, sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Terri Ellen Lewis and his three older brothers.
He graduated from Morgantown High School in 1962 and attended WVU where he competed on the wrestling team. Under the tutelage of his older brothers, Terry became a well-respected home builder, constructing many homes in Morgantown and planning and building his own subdivision near Cheat Lake. His passion for perfection was evident throughout his career.
His second love after his family was music. From his formative years, he was always playing music in local bands around Morgantown. If you are local to the Morgantown area, you have no doubt heard the sounds of The Subway Band, an oldies and beach music band Terry founded and was the leader of for over 50 years. His band helped start the careers of many local musicians. They were known as one of West Virginia’s top variety bands. Terry played the soulful and groovy sounds of the Hammond B3 organ and sang lead vocals.
Subway was invited to play shows up and down the East Coast from Connecticut to Georgia. The band had the privilege to play alongside many well-known rhythm and blues, rock and roll and soul groups, some of them appearing in Morgantown at Stepping Stones’ (formerly Easterseals Society of Morgantown) annual 50s dance charity fundraiser, hosted by Terry and his wife. The band was inducted into the Carolina Beach Music Academy Hall of Fame in Myrtle Beach, S.C. in 2001. Band practice in the garage was a staple in his Morgantown neighborhood for decades. His love of music had a profound impact on his children and grandchildren.
Terry will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband and father, brother, grandfather and friend. He made wonderful memories with his friends, neighbors and bandmates throughout the years, and he brought much happiness to others with the gift of music and his charitable spirit.
His family would like to express their deepest appreciation and gratitude to the caring staff at Mon Health Medical Center, Select Specialty Hospital Morgantown, WV Caring hospice services and his and his daughter’s in-home care aides.
Friends and family will gather at the Fred Jenkins Funeral Home from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, with a service to follow. Private interment will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made by mail to Stepping Stones of Morgantown, 400 Mylan Park Lane, Morgantown, WV 26501.
Condolences:
www.fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com
