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June 24, 1944 – September 28, 2023

Dean Russell Lewis, 79, of Manteo, died on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at ECU Health Medical Center, Greenville.

Dean was born the oldest of six siblings in Tyrrell County, NC on June 24, 1944, to the late Wilbur Leigh Sr. and Edna Marie Williams Lewis. He was married to the former Faye Hines who survives.

Dean graduated from East Hyde High School and in 1966 joined the Army and served his country in Vietnam. He returned to Hyde as an Infantry Combat Veteran and began what would become a 40-year-long career at the Navy Dare Bombing Range. He was honored to assist the Navy pilots with their target training and found great joy in sharing his love of planes with others. His contributions were noted as he was awarded a 40-year pin from the Department of Defense by the Secretary of the Navy for his service and dedication as a civil servant. He met his true love, Faye, on a blind date to Nags Head in 1972. They were wed in 1973 and celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary this year. Together they welcomed two babies into the world, Kimberly and Susan. Dean affectionately referred to them all as “baby” often leading to confusion in which he would specify baby 1,2,3. All of them were so proud to be his girls.

Always a fisherman at heart he found peace in casting a line and seeing what he might catch whether the fish were biting or not. He enjoyed spending time gardening, and throughout his life, and continued to maintain a small container garden for his vegetables in the latter.

A funeral service was held at 2 p.m., Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the Fairfield Christian Church. Pastor Billy Ray Askew officiated. A private committal followed in Fulford Cemetery.

In addition to his wife surviving are two daughters: Kimberly L. Hicks of Wake Forest, and Susan L. Williams (Jason) of Fairfield; five grandchildren, Tiernan Grace Hicks, Scarlette Williams, Holden Williams, Lilah Williams, and Emmett Williams; four brothers, Wilbur Leigh “W.L.” Lewis, Jr. (Janet) of Fairfield, William Hubert Lewis, Sr. (Ann) of Fairfield, Ronnie Lewis (Nancy) of Raleigh and Austin Ray Lewis (Tracy) of Engelhard; one sister, Edna Merita Spencer of Fairfield, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Cecil Lamar Lewis, a son-in-law, Seth Hicks, and a mother-in-law Annie Hollowell.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter.

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