Dr. Newman Maxville Lewis, 91, affectionately known as “Max,” “Doc,” or “Granddaddy,” passed away peacefully at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, N.C., on August 14, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife Sally. He was the only son of lifelong educators. His dad, Newman, was a respected school principal and his mom, Florence, a high school biology/science teacher in Eastern North Carolina. He imparted immense professional pride to his children, most of whom followed in their grandparents’ footsteps as educators. Max attended college at the “old” Wake Forest College in Wake Forest, N.C., finishing in three years, and then medical school at Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C. After medical school he entered the Public Health Service, serving as a harbor doctor for the ports of Charleston, S.C., Memphis, Tenn., and Staten Island, N.Y. Following subsequent training stints in Winston-Salem, he moved his young family to Statesville and began a long association with Davis Hospital. He was a devoted, compassionate physician, caring for his community through the practice of internal medicine for nearly 40 years and forming many wonderful friendships throughout.

The cornerstone of Max’s life was his faith and his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He exemplified this through his eternal positivity and his unparalleled generosity. He gave to whomever asked or needed, whether it be prayers, love, medical care, or financial assistance (Matthew 6:3-4). He was a long-time member of The First Baptist Church of Statesville and cherished all of the friendships formed and strengthened by the support he received from church family over the years.

Max was a familiar sideline presence at any sport his children or grandchildren played or coached. He enjoyed following the seasons of his alma mater, the Wake Forest University Demon Deacons. He was a devoted New York Yankees baseball fan with his allegiance dating back to his time in New York in the mid-1960s.

Max had several hobbies. He was a savvy billiards player enjoying both the competition and the camaraderie, playing for many years as a member of the Statesville Elks Lodge, later the Senior Center, or anywhere Jack would take him, and people would play him. He also really loved riding and going for a ride in either a car, a boat, or a motorcycle with family and friends. A longstanding member of the Statesville Chapter of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, he often rode his motorcycle with friends to Ohio, Florida, and many places in between. He loved to ride so much he would ride for hours to show up in your driveway unannounced, earning him the nickname “Hurricane Max.”

Max cherished time spent with extended family in the Beaufort, Morehead City area. Special cousins Wiley H. Lewis (Donna) and Doug Willis (Diane) were more like brothers to him. He enjoyed gathering together for a meal out at the Sanitary or Cox’s restaurants, sitting in Emily “Sissy” Clyde’s living room, or his favorite place “Doug’s Porch.” The three of them would retell the grandest, most ridiculous, funniest, and sweetest stories of each other and family. He enjoyed Anne’s home and hospitality for Thanksgiving and Easter in Greenville and Bath with family, including cousins Francis Creech, Barry Creech (Michaela). Without a doubt, one of the highlights of the year was always the Christmas “Shake” he held for our family to gather and celebrate the birth of Jesus. It was always a joyful time surrounded by four generations of family and friends.

Never judgmental and a kind and genuine soul who delighted in a good joke, Max will be missed by his many friends and family.

He is survived by children, Mickey and Ashley Lewis (Morganton, N.C.), Dewey and Patti Lewis (Wilmington, N.C.), Anne and Jonathan Brooks (Greenville, N.C.) and David and Sonja Lewis (Statesville, N.C.) along with grandchildren Sally Beck, Katie Haywood, Max Lewis, Gray Brooks, Emmie Brooks, Piper Lewis, Darbee Lewis, and Boomer Lewis; as well as eight great grandchildren.

Like all of us, life was not always sunshine and roses for Max, but you would be hard pressed to know it. Showing his unwavering faith, he exemplified Romans 5:1-5. He had a few sayings that stand out like “Joyful nights make sorrowful days,” often asking “What time do the Yankees play ball?” and “Who wants a Frosty?” Among the the advice he gave was “Just remember the Good Times!”

Services will be held at First Baptist Church Statesville on Sunday August 25. Visitation will be held in Adams Hall from 1 to 2:15 p.m., followed by hen the Service in the Sanctuary 2:30 p.m. with the burial to follow at Oakwood cemetery. The service will be officiated by Dr. Nelson Grenade and assisted by Dr. Jeff Porter.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First Baptist Church of Statesville or Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County.

Joe and William Troutman of Troutman Funeral Home are assisting the family with arrangements.