Henry Wallace Lewis, the son of the late Stanson Lewis and the late Janie Gibson Lewis, was born in Meridian, Mississippi.

After being educated in the public schools and serving in the United States Army in World War II, he attended Jackson State University for four years on a football and track scholarship. Soon after college, he was united in holy matrimony to Sarah Nell Lewis and relocated to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. To that union four children were born; two sons and two daughters.

Having accepted the Lord as his personal Savior, he joined St. Paul's Missionary Baptist Church. As a dedicated member for over 40 years, he faithfully served on the Trustee Board as well as the Finance Committee. He later united with Baptist Fellowship Church, where he was one of the founding members.

Mr. Lewis did carpentry work all of his working career and was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. He was also the first Director of the Tri-County Affirmative Action Program where he recruited, pre-qualified and counseled minority men and women for entry into construction trades as apprentices and journey persons. Hundreds of minorities were inducted and continue in the construction trades from this program.

In the community, He was an outstanding past President of the Harrisburg area branch of the NAACP where he initiated and organized programs that benefitted his community: voter registration drives; solved problems concerning personnel and employment issues; brought a health mobile into the city to address the health needs of the low income and minority population; to name a few.

Mr. Lewis joined Chosen Friends Lodge No. 43 Prince Hall Masons on August l, 1976, Nimrod Consistory No. 9 Perfection A.A.S.R of Free Masonry PHA on March 26, 1977 and Harris Chapter No. 26 Royal Arch Mason on September 28, 1977. Henry W. Lewis was created a Grand Inspector General of the 33 and elevated to membership in the United Supreme Council on May 25, 1987, in the valley of Chicago State of Illinois. Mr. Lewis became Potentate of Himyar Temple No. 17 December 2006 to December 2007. He received a Life Membership certificate of award from the Imperial Potentate, Dr. Ralph Slaughter and Imperial Recorder, Ronald Dickens for Thirty Years of continuous membership. He is a Past Potentate and was the Deputy of Himyar Temple from 2000- 2014.

Other awards bestowed include Harrisburg Citizen of the year 1983, given by Nimrod Consistory #9 of Free Masons P.H.A. Certificate of appreciation from Himyar Temple Patrol P.H.A 1984; The Distinguished Public Service Award from the Mayor for services to the city of Harrisburg, The Harrisburg citizen of the year award, 1985 from Omega PHE. Henry received a proclamation for having brought a health mobile into the city of Harrisburg. This was done with the cooperation of the NAACP and Anheuser- Bush in 1984 to address the health needs of low income and minority population.

He was an avid sports fan and he liked it all, including NASCAR and rooting for his favorite driver "'Bubba Wallace". To say the least, he was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys' fan - win or lose.

On Wednesday, September 4, 2024 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Henry Wallace Lewis, at the age of 96 years, transitioned from this earthly life into eternal life. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings; S. Lavirn Lewis and Riddell Lewis. Henry leaves to celebrate his life, his children; Henry W. Lewis, Jr. of Charleston West Virginia, Deborah Lewis, Deacon Barry B. Lewis and DeShawn Lewis, all of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; his four grandchildren; Dr. Henry D. Lewis (Rachel) of Houston Texas, Dana Lewis of Charleston, West Virginia; Amber Lewis and Brittany Lewis of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; his five great grandchildren, Jordan Lewis of Charleston, West Virginia; Henry D. Lewis, Jr.; Lauren Lewis, Briana Lewis, Raymond Lewis, all of Houston, Texas; one great-great granddaughter, Adrienne Lewis of Charleston, West Virginia and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Henry’s life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 13, 2024 in the Sanctuary of The First Baptist Church of Steelton, 1850 S. 19th Street, Harrisburg with viewing and visitation 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m., Masonic Services at 10:00 a.m. and burial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.