George Lewis of Kennett Square

George Burnett Lewis, 97. died peacefully at Crosslands Retirement Community, on Dec. 9.

George Burnett Lewis

George was born in Flushing, New York on Feb. 19, to Dorothy Rickett and Morel Peck Lewis.  His education included the Buckley School, St. Andrews School, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

In 1947, George married Eleanor Letts from Providence and Narragansett, Rhode Island and raised three children, George Burnett Lewis, Jr, Madeline Lewis, and Houghton Lewis. Married for 73 years, George and “Ellie” often reflected that their happiest years were spent living on their farm in Kennett Square, enjoying their children and menagerie of horses, dogs, cats, chickens, and goats.

While attending UNC, George participated in the Naval R.O.T.C. In 1944, he was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy and released as a lieutenant, junior grade in 1946. His two-year active duty included the provisioning and commissioning of the minesweeper AM 239 in the invasion of Okinawa; and at the end of the war, the securing of Northern Honshu as part of the Northern Pacific Fleet. After the war, he became the captain of the AM 342 which swept mines to permit U.S., Japanese, and many others to work more safely. His final job was to take several minesweepers to the Philippines to be upgraded and turned over to the Chinese. He retired from the Navy in 1946; and then completed his degree at the University of North Carolina Business School.

George worked for the DuPont Company for 39 years in the Textile Fibers department across a number of programs and products. He managed Advertising and Promotion, Export Marketing, and Product Management for Nomex, Typar, and Tyvek. For three years after DuPont, George managed Burnett Enterprises selling off-grade product.

Throughout his life, George spent a significant amount of time contributing to the community. Working at three different Episcopal parishes for more than 60 years, he participated in vestry duties, search committees, outreach efforts, financial matters, and 16 years of acolyte (“the God squad”) training. He also was an active member with St. Andrews School Alumnae; Special Gifts chairman at the Red Cross; and helped start Big Brothers in Wilmington. George was particularly grateful for his membership, active service, and involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous over many years in both Wilmington, and Kennett Square.

George repeatedly expressed appreciation for a rich, long, and wonderful life with family and friends. George will be deeply missed; and forever cherished for his joy of living, robust sense of humor, expansive warmth, and an all-inclusive, kind heart.

George is survived by his wife, three children, and six grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be announced in the future.

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com

Arrangements by the Kuzo Funeral Home, Kennett Square.

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