Mr. Jerry W. Lewis, 72 of Wattsville, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Saturday, May 31, 2025. He was born on March 20, 1953, in Salisbury, Md., to the late Herbert Lewis and Susie Lewis.
Jerry was an avid waterman who caught and delivered minnows to the Bahia Marina in Ocean City, Md., for over 42 years. Being on the water was definitely a passion of Jerry’s, whether it was catching minnows or oystering. He worked for his good friend Tommy Mason, being his right hand man, whether it was at Mason Seafood or Waterside Motor Inn.
Tommy and Jerry can now reminisce together about all the good times they had. He worked at Moores Business Farms in Snow Hill, Md., for 10 years. After leaving Moores, he then went to work for Lankford Sysco in Pocomoke City as a yard jockey. He was a hard-working, dedicated employee who loved his job and the company he worked for. He was never a complainer and always went above and beyond whatever he was asked to do.
While he enjoyed working hard and staying busy, he enjoyed his free time watching all of his favorite sports. Sundays were spent watching NASCAR or “America’s team,” the Dallas Cowboys. Many other days he enjoyed watching the Baltimore Orioles or the University of Virginia Cavaliers.
He enjoyed being with family and having a lottery ticket to scratch off, and he always asked, “Did you get me a scratch off?”
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Dawn, to whom he was married for 52 years; his daughters, Angie Fairhurst (Devon) and Tonya Lambirth (Rich); his grandchildren, Chris Beasley, Courtney Kopplin (Coleby), Ashley Beasley, and Meghan Taylor; his great-granddaughter, Liyah Beasley, who was the apple of his eye; his brother, Herbie Lewis (Susie); his sister, Birdie Lewis (Kenny); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was predeceased by sons-in-law, Turner Taylor and Coley Beasley; a sister, Gail Richardson; and a granddaughter, Sarah Taylor.
A viewing was held on Tuesday, June 3, at 7 p.m. at Salyer Funeral Home in Chincoteague. Funeral services were conducted from the graveside at John W. Taylor Cemetery in Temperanceville, on Wednesday, June 4, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Kevin Eley officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Oak Hall Rescue or Riverside Shore Hospice.
Services were entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc. on Chincoteague Island. Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com
