John Bell Lewis

Published 2:36 pm Monday, March 31, 2025

John Bell Lewis, age 87, of Elizabethton, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital. John was born in Elizabethton on February 21, 1937, to the late Clarence and Ola Nidiffer Lewis. In addition to his parents, John was also preceded in death by his wife, Mary Grindstaff Lewis, and brother, C.H. Lewis.

John Lewis was a devoted husband and father who will always be remembered for the love and care he showed to those in his life. He was a charter member of Unaka Baptist Church and current member of Stoney Creek Baptist Church. John graduated from East Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s degree in education. He started his education career working at Beulahdean Elementary in 1956, later transferring to Blue Springs Elementary and finally to Unaka Elementary, where he retired. Alongside his career in education, John also worked as a bookkeeper and tax advisor for many individuals and businesses in the area. He enjoyed listening to gospel music, traveling, learning history and watching the Atlanta Braves, UT Vols and NASCAR.

Those left to continue John’s legacy include his brother, Richard Allen Lewis of Elizabethton; nieces: Joyce, Virginia and Paulette; daughter, Joyce Salyer of Elizabethton; grandchildren, Jemima Campbell and Mary Asher (Brad), both of Elizabethton; great-grandchildren: Cydney, Nolan, Kiki, Natalie, Alisha, Matilda, Allie, Easton and Gage; great-great-grandchildren, Willow and Azalea; stepdaughter, Rose Ann Stout of Elizabethton; special cousins, Betty Jane White and Keith Grindstaff.

A service to honor and celebrate the life of John Lewis will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton with the Rev. Eric Heaton and the Rev. Steve Davis officiating. Eulogy by Mr. Hugh Buckles. Music will be under the direction of Vickie Greer. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, prior to the service on Monday.

The graveside service will follow in Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Larry Nidiffer, Dallas Williams, Phillip Taylor, David “Bo” Campbell, Brian Richardson, Brad Asher, Nolan Bradley, Easton Asher and Gage Rowland. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Shelton, Robert “Dudley” Grindstaff, Kenneth Taylor, Mickey Taylor, Kirby Taylor, Teddy Weaver, Mike Cole, Harry Ford, Gary Couch, David Knotts, David Rock and Lowell Shell.

Words of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the Lewis family. Office phone: (423) 542-2232.