Rev. Austin Calvin Lewis III., age 90, of Hazlehurst, passed away Thursday, October 28, 2021 at his residence after an extended illness.

Rev. Lewis was born March 31, 1931 in Jeff Davis County.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford Lewis, Olive Catherine Britt Lewis, brothers, Daniel Lewis, Eugene Lewis and daughter-in-law, Joanne Lewis.

He was a Farmer and worked with the Railroad until God called him to Preach.

Rev. Lewis' ministry extended for 50 plus years, included evangelism and pastoral work. He loved the Lord and his family dearly but preaching God's Word, was his life and passion.  He was a great husband, father, and grandfather. He was a craftsman, enjoyed watching football and gardening.  He was a member of the Bridgeford Church of God.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Mrs. Katie Dale Claxton Lewis of Hazlehurst; sons, James Calvin Lewis (Karen) of Hazlehurst and Arlee H. Lewis of Hazlehurst; daughter, Janice Lewis Reynolds of Hazlehurst; grandchildren, Debra Carter, Martin Lewis, Pamela Williamson, Michelle Watts, Holly Zachary and Kyle Reynolds; step-grandchildren, Kenny Hursey, and Renee Merritt; nineteen greatgrandchildren, several nieces and nephews also survive.

Visitation and Funeral Services will be held Monday, November 01, 2021 at Bridgeford Church of God, visitation will begin at 1:00pm and funeral services will follow at 2:00pm with Rev. Jeremy Deloach, State Overseer, Rev. Gary Lewis, Rev. Jamie Rivera, and Rev. Richard Lewis  officiating.

Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery with Rev. Milton Thomas officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be all ministers, friends and family in attendance.

Active pallbearers will be Walt Swain, Wade Ross, Greg Brantley, Kyle Reynolds, Martin Lewis and Sidney Carter.

The family may be contacted at the Lewis residence, 1033 Bridgeford Church Road, Hazlehurst.

The Lewis family and Wainright Parlor Funeral Home respectfully ask all in attendance to continue to follow the social distancing guidelines set by our local health district and the CDC.

To sign the online registry, please visit wainrightparlor.com

Wainright Parlor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.