Luther Vance Lewis, of Rutherfordton, passed away November 20, 2024 at the age of 87.  Born March 1, 1937, to Annie Foster Lewis and Charles Wilbur Lewis, Luther grew up on a large farm in Rutherford County, where he enjoyed the North Carolina forests and mountains with his older brother, Charles Norris Lewis. Luther graduated from R-S Central High School in 1955 – the story goes that he got his high school diploma on a Friday and on the following Monday, he enlisted in the United States Air Force.  He spent four years as an Airman First Class, supporting classified missions.  He proudly served his country. We thank him for his duty.

Luther completed his education at North Carolina State University, earning a BS in Electrical Engineering.  His expertise on new technologies emerging during the late 1960s made Luther a great recruit to many Fortune 500 firms including Hewlett Packard, Intel, Western Digital, and Rockwell.  He had a long, successful career in high-tech.

In 1981, Luther married Jackie Lane, and for 43 years they have been side by side.  Luther and Jackie have been members at the Mountain Creek Baptist Church, making many lifetime friends and serving the Lord.

Luther also had hobbies:  he was a private pilot with multiple ratings and an expert marksman.   He loved World War II history and was an avid reader.  In recent years, he practiced his marksmanship by shooting golf balls from 100 yards.

During Luther's long life, he moved many times and lived in many different places.  However, no matter how far away his life took him, he always returned to his beloved Rutherford County.

Luther is predeceased by his mother, father, and brother.  He is survived by his wife Jackie , his children Michael Lewis of Rutherfordton, Walter Lewis of Cary, Susan Parlier of Greensboro, and Laura Beaman of Greensboro. He has 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.  He was a blessing to his entire clan.

The celebration of Luther's life will be held on Sunday at 3:00 P.M. , November 24, 2024  at Mountain Creek Baptist Church, 710 Mountain Creek Road, Rutherfordton with Reverend Brain Blanchette officiating.  The visitation will be from 2-3 prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be in the Mountain Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in the Lewis family plot.   In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Mountain Creek Baptist Church Community Hurricane Relief Fund in memory of Luther; 710 Mountain Creek Road; Rutherfordton, NC 28139.  McMahan's Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.