Raymond “Wayne” Lewis, 83, of Irwin County, Georgia, died Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at his residence in Irwin County, on the same farm where he spent his entire life.
Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Friday, January 30, 2026, at Frank Primitive Baptist Church in Irwin County, with Elder Chad O’Quinn officiating. A eulogy will be given by Melanie Sumner Royal and Andi Sumner McWhorter. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services in the sanctuary on Friday.
Mr. Lewis was born January 15, 1943, in Ocilla, Georgia, to the late Donald Jackson & Mary Frances Royal Lewis, just 12 hours after his future wife was born. They attended school together and graduated from Irwin County High School in 1961. He later attended Georgia Military College and Valdosta State before living briefly in Atlanta where he installed pay phones at the former Fulton County stadium. He quickly realized he wanted to return home to work the family farm where he farmed for many years before owning and operating Radio Shack (Lewis Radio). When an opportunity arose to return to his love of farming, he joined his brother as co-owner of Irwin County Tractor. Following Donny’s untimely death, Mr. Lewis continued the implement business for another decade until he retired in 2007. He was a member of Frank Primitive Baptist Church and served his Lord by singing in the choir, participating in Bible study, and running the sound system for Frank’s beloved Christmas pageant. He loved listening to gospel music while working in his shop. He spent many hours there getting his car ready to drag race on Saturday night. Later in life, he became an avid deer hunter and enjoyed hunting on the farm. Wayne’s friends and family will remember him for his quick, dry wit and steadfast determination, carried always with a quiet and humble spirit.
He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Linda Gail Ewing Lewis of Irwin County; their two daughters and sons-in-law, Kellie & Janson Eldridge of Dothan, Alabama and Kim & Chuck Davis of Carrollton; and his beloved grandchildren: Parker Sperring, Jake Davis, Callie Davis, and Ben Davis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Donny Lewis and a sister, Brenda Sue McLemore.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Frank Primitive Baptist Church, c/o Walter Sumner, P O Box 112, Ocilla, GA 31774 or to Frank Cemetery Fund, c/o Warren Mixon, P O Box 145, Ocilla, GA 31774 or to Whitley Cemetery Fund, c/o Mike Mobley, P O Box 2259, Moultrie, GA 31776.
Paulk Funeral Home, Ocilla, is in charge of arrangements.