LCDR Charles Herbert Lewis, USN (Ret)

LCDR Charles Herbert Lewis, USN (Ret.), 96, of 211 Sunset Drive, Hertford, NC, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, May 8, 2026.

Born November 12, 1929, in Wilmington, he was the son of the late Charles Drew Lewis and Marion Orttraway Lewis. He was also preceded in death by his sisters.

Mr. Lewis faithfully served his country for more than 30 years as an engineer in the United States Navy. Throughout his distinguished military career, he completed extensive military education and training while serving at numerous naval stations and aboard several ships around the world. His assignments included:

Naval Training Center San Diego (1948-1949)

USS Warket (1949; 1950)

USS Repose (1949-1950)

Naval Station Guam (1950-1951)

USS Bushnell (1952-1954)

Naval Recruiting Station (1954-1956)

USS Tringa (1956-1958)

USS Gearing (1958-1962)

USS Manley (1962-1963)

USS Observation Island (1964-1966)

USS Tutuila (1967-1968)

Navy Reserve Center Horseheads, New York (1968-1969)

USS Columbus (1969-1972)

Fleet Training Unit Little Creek, Norfolk, Virginia (1973-1975)

USS Denebola (1975-1976)

Subinsurvlant Little Creek, Norfolk, Virginia (1976-1978)

Merchant Marines (1979-1992)

His years of service reflected his deep sense of duty, patriotism, and commitment to his country.

Following his retirement from the Navy, Mr. Lewis enjoyed a quiet life in Hertford and was a proud member of the Perquimans Masonic Lodge.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Cleta Hollenbeck Lewis; his daughter, Vera Adderholdt and her companion, Gerald Waters, whom he loved as a son; along with extended family members and friends who will deeply miss him.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to his dedicated caretaker, Bonnie Wemmer, as well as James, Lisa, Mary, Zee, and the staff and employees of Albemarle Hospice for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Mr. Lewis and his family during his illness.

A burial with military honors will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Open Door Food Pantry of Perquimans County, PO Box 721, Hertford, NC 27944, or online at The Open Door Food Pantry Donation Page.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, North Carolina, is assisting the Lewis family. Online condolences may be made by visiting the funeral home website.