Lewis celebrates 90 years

Wayne Lewis of Leland celebrates his 90th birthday on July 13. Married to the former Blennie Willetts, the couple celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on June 20. They have four children, Yvonne, Pat, Debra and Billy; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Lewis joined the U. S. Army in 1942, taking basic training in Clearwater, Fla., and was then transferred to Las Vegas, where their two oldest children were born. He also had an overseas stint in Guam. His career as a professional brick mason began after receiving training through Wilmington College (now UNC Wilmington). Later, he worked at International Paper in Riegelwood, retiring from there in 1983. He farmed all of his life, raising tobacco and driving to the tobacco market, and has always produced an extensive vegetable garden. Today, he still works in the garden with a tractor and a hoe, raising vegetables for family and friends. He recently cut his twice-weekly bowling to one day a week, loving every minute of it.