Lewis Walker Cress

Lewis Walker Cress died peacefully on Thursday March 14, 2024. He was the youngest of 4 children, born to Jay Lewis and Cora Walker Cress on May 29, 1935.   He attended Cline School, then graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1953.  Pursuing further education, he went on to graduate with honors from NC State University in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education.  He met the love of his life, Jane Culp, during college and they were married August 14, 1960.  Not long after they were married, Lewis was drafted into the US Army.  He served in active service for two years, plus another five years in the Army Reserves.

Lewis began his career in public work as the Purchasing Agent at Jackson Training School in Concord. In this capacity, he served troubled young men in positive ways during his tenure at that institution.  In 1969, his career transitioned into full-time agricultural education when he accepted a teaching position at Central Cabarrus High School.   He spent his entire education career there, teaching agriculture, horticulture, and woodworking. In addition, he served as the Advisor for the CCHS FFA Chapter and continued to influence young people in a positive way.  During this time, he also completed his Masters of Education degree from UNCC, graduating in 1972.

Unable to have children of their own, Lewis and Jane adopted two young children, Lauren (1969) and Brad (1972).  Always working together for the good of their family, they were faithful to their commitment to raise their children in a Christian home, never once letting them forget that they were chosen and loved beyond measure.

Lewis was a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, serving in many leadership positions there.  He was a regular rotating teacher for the adult men’s Sunday School class for more than 50 years.  As an active member of the St John’s Grange, he also served there in various capacities and received many awards.  He retired from teaching in 1993, and spent his remaining active years happily raising cows and mowing yards.  During their later years, he and Jane loved to travel and keep their grandkids.  An avid Wolfpack fan, he immensely enjoyed team rivalry conversations with his friends.  His final and most honorable act of service was as caregiver to Jane during her final years of declining mental and physical health.

Lewis is survived by his two children, Lauren Cress and Brad Cress (Mary); and his grandchildren, Isaac and Lydia Hill, and Ty Cress.  He loved all of them, as well as his many nieces and nephews.   His family will receive friends from 3:00-4:15pm on Sunday, March 17, 2024 in the sanctuary of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Concord, NC.  The funeral will follow at 4:30pm.  He will be buried beside his bride of nearly 61 years at Bethlehem Methodist Church in Gold Hill, NC after the service.

Memorials may be sent to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 100 St. John’s Church Rd, Concord, NC 28025 or Bethlehem Methodist Church, PO Box 407, Gold Hill, NC 28071.