Rocky Mount –

Charles A. "Charlie" Lewis, age 80, passed away peacefully Monday, May 26, 2025 at The Landings of Rocky Mount Mills. His journey began in Nash County on August 4, 1944, son of Thomas and Betty Clark Lewis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of almost fifty years, Merlyn Arnold Lewis; and brothers, Bill Lewis, Tommy Lewis and Gene Lewis.

He leaves a lifetime of memories for his sons, Charlie Lewis, Jr. (Jenifer) of Nashville and Scott Lewis (Melissa) of Rocky Mount; sister, Ann Lewis Evans (George) of Rocky Mount; sisters-in-law who visited and cared for him, Joyce Arnold of Rocky Mount, Jackie Varnell (Joe) of Pinetops, Eunice Dietrich of Rocky Mount and Bonnie Arnold of Nashville; along with several nieces, nephews and other extended relatives.

Charlie was a beloved "Granddaddy", "Cha Cha" and "Gee Gee" to Kelli Whitley (Dakota) of Elm City, Cal Lewis (Leanna) of Knightdale, Ben Lewis of Raleigh, Brendan Lewis and Colby Lewis, both of Rocky Mount and "Great-Granddaddy" to Jessi Kate Whitley.

He was dedicated to the family business, Southern Mattress Company and seldom missed a day at the mattress plant. He ran a sales route for years, made mattresses, could fix anything that needed a repair, enjoyed cooking for the workers, bossing someone around and could even be seen playing solitaire at his desk on occasion. When his boys joined the Boys Scouts he became a leader and stayed for over forty years! His passion and dedication to the Boy Scouts earned him one of the highest scouting honors, the Silver Beaver Award. His giving spirit did not end there; he was an active member of Proctors Chapel Baptist Church serving for many years in various roles. Charlie was the kind of friend you called on when you needed a hand and he would be there to help.

Charlie was quick to tell you that Merlyn was the love of his life and he was beyond proud of the boys they raised. When he spoke of his grandchildren and great grandchild, he always had a big smile on his face and a story to share. It could be about the princess who had her very own princess, the boys who became Eagle Scouts, the one who stepped up to run the mattress plant before he found his own path, and the really good baseball player were just some of the stories he was proud to share. For these and many other reasons they all had a special place in his heart.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00pm on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Proctors Chapel Baptist Church, 2917 Old Wilson Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27801. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 3:30pm and other times at the home.