James Ray Lewis of Mabank was born July 22, 1957 in Ennis to James and Christine Lewis. He was called home to be with the Lord July 1, 2023. 
James Ray was a man of few words but was respected and loved by his family and friends. He was always present and had a way of sharing his quiet wisdom that made others know how he felt. 
James was Papa to his grandchildren and was known to be the “baby whisperer” in the family; he would be seen at gatherings holding a grandchild who was napping away quietly. James was also a proud Mason and served his lodge well.
James was preceded in death by his parents and brother Billy Don Lewis. 
He is survived by his loving wife Gail Autry Lewis, children Adam Lewis, Johnathan Lewis and wife Joanna, Benjamin Lewis and wife Amy and Rachel Schauer and husband Tim, grandchildren McKenna, Evan, Robin, Jillian, Andrew, Will, Jack, Elliot, Asa, Judah, Ezra, Moriah, Isaiah and Anna, brothers John Lewis and Jack Lewis and wife Toni and sister Melinda Blackburn, as well as a host of other family and friends who will miss him dearly.
Funeral services will be held st 2 p.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home in Athens. Mr. Lewis will be laid to rest at Still Waters Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville.