“Come to me, all you are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easyand my burden is light.”

—Matthew 11:28-30 Paul Jerome Lewis, Sr. entered eternal rest early Thursday morning, September 24, 2026, at 12:45 A.M.at his residence on Oakland Road, Louisa.

Born on May 3, 1944, Paul was the ninth of ten children born to the late Benjamin H. and Jessie J. Lewis. Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris Dean Jones Lewis, his sisters: Iris Lewis Charity, Arline Lewis Cameron Collins, Elvira Lewis Pharr, Irma Lewis Miles, Zenobia Lewis Thomas, and Lucy Lewis Winston; and brothers: Anthony W. Lewis and Benjamin F. Lewis. Paul joined the Wayland Baptist Church at an early age under the spiritual guidance and leadership of the Rev. Abraham F. Brown. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Paul didn’t step away from his religious training. He was a faithful member and an excellent Trustee of this church. He was a great steward of the finances of Wayland. Because of his craft and skills, he acquired, whatever he saw that needed to be done, he did. He didn’t wait to be asked. If it needed to be done, he did it. He served as an usher, parked cars for special events, and supported the pastor and ministries of the church. If he needed confirmation on a project, he would consult Mr. Allen Jennings who was more current on processes and procedures related to County requirements. He did that because he wanted things done decently and in order.

Paul received his education at the Old Louisa Training School; and the Archie Gibbs Richardson High School where he graduated in June 1963. Upon graduation from high school, he worked in Alexandria, Virginia for a car dealership where he was a driver. He furthered his education at Virginia State College in the Building Trades program and graduated in February 1967. It was at that point that Paul entered the workforce. Paul held several building trades jobs such as brick and block layer, and construction worker. It was through his positions that he further developed and refined his skills in the craft. He went on to form his own business in Construction. The name of his business was “Lewis Construction: No Job too large or too small.” Paul has built many homes and helped those who perhaps could not afford a home otherwise in Louisa County and adjacent counties.

Upon graduation from Virginia State College in February 1967, Paul met the love of his life and married Doris Dean Jones Lewis on Saturday evening, August 31, 1968. To this union. God blessed them with two sons: Gregory Wayne Lewis and Paul Jerome Lewis, Jr. God further blessed them with two grandsons, and one granddaughter, and one greatgranddaughter.

Beyond his Christian duties and commitment to serving God, Paul dedicated his service to the Free and Accepted Masons of Virginia. He joined the C. S. Basset Lodge #226, Orange, Virginia. He held various positions within the Lodge. The position of Worshipful Master was the most gratifying. It allowed him to demonstrate leadership skills to move the Lodge forward. He traveled to various Lodge functions which enhanced his leadership skills as he met and communed with many other brothers in the craft. The C. S. Basset Lodge emerged with the Louisa Lodge #113. He was an active member of that Lodge until his health began to decline. He was also a member of The Knights of Temple, The Royal Arch, The John F. Kennedy Lodges, and the Shriners Lodge.

Paul leaves to observe his legacy and to cherish his precious memories two sons: Gregory Wayne Lewis and Paul Jerome Lewis, Jr.; two grandsons, Davon Robinson and Jaleel Henson; and one granddaughter, Sierra Dean Lewis, and one greatgranddaughter, Ava Leigh Lewis; two brothers, Franklin J. Lewis (Louise) of Fort Washington, MD and Rev. Larry E. Lewis (Carson), Louisa, one sister-in-law, Marylin Jones Woolfolk, Keswick, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Masonic Brothers, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Wayland Baptist Church, Louisa, with Interment in the Church Cemetery. The Rev. Dr. Leroy Mashore was the Eulogist and Rev. Carla Scott, Pastor, served as Officiant.