Obituary of Lewis Turner Gravette

Lewis Turner Gravette, a lifelong resident of Hillsborough, NC peacefully passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2014 at his home after a brief illness. Born on June 4, 1925 to Rosa Lee and Tennie Gravette he spent his younger years living in the Mill Village in West Hillsborough. A loving husband, father and grandfather, Lewis is survived by his wife of 64 years Helen and daughter Susan Gravette Cogdill and husband Gary of Wilkesboro, NC. Also surviving are grandsons Ryan Cogdill and wife Tracy of Ellicott City, Maryland and Wesley Cogdill and wife Kristen of North Wilkesboro, NC and two great granddaughters. Lewis loved spending time with his family and especially being a Grandpa and spoiling his grandsons. His Granddog Rudy brought a special joy to Lewis. Also surviving are Sister Virginia Wilkerson, Hillsborough and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and Brother Herman Gravette. Serving as a Corporal in the 913 Field Artillery in the European Theater during World War II, Lewis was as a Liaison Agent, assisting in contact between the Artillery and Infantry by operating a radio to transmit messages to artillery units. He was honorably discharged receiving the Bronze Star. Lewis was a 50 year member of the American Legion Post 447 in Prospect Hill, NC. Known as a master craftsman by trade Lewis worked in the NC furniture industry for 45 years at White Furniture of Hillsborough. In addition he refinished prized antiques that are now cherished in homes across the Triangle and Piedmont North Carolina. Upon retirement he assisted his wife by securing and restoring antiques for the Daniel Boone Country Store in Hillsborough. Known for his beautiful blue eyes and infectious smile, Lewis developed a love for flowers and gardening during his retirement. Later on in life he especially enjoyed visiting residents of local nursing homes and delivering mountain apples and peaches to friends and family. He attended New Hope Presbyterian Church, Chapel Hill. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 from 1pm to 2:15pm prior to the funeral services officiated by Rev. Kerri Hefner at 2:30pm at Walkers Funeral Chapel, Hillsborough. The family would like to especially thank Duke Hospice for the care provided along with home health RN Chris Fiore, his longtime physician Dr. Arthur Axelbank, niece and nephew Linda and Daryl Wagner, special cousin Donna Freeland, caregiver Latoya Wilkins and Crawford Road neighbors. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Duke Hospice at 4321 Medical Park Dr., Suite 101 Durham, NC 27704 or New Hope Presbyterian Church 4701 NC Hwy 86 Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Walker's Funeral Home of Hillsborough is honored to serve the Gravette family.