Wayne Beale Lewter, Sr.

Wayne Beale Lewter, Sr. 81, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away Tuesday Oct. 27, 2020 after an adventuresome full life. Born in Roanoke Rapids, he was a son of the late Julian Ray Lewter and Mary Elizabeth Beale. Survivors include his wife of 61 years Diane Parker Lewter and two sons, Wayne Lewter, Jr of Cary and Steve Lewter and his wife Brenda of Clayton. He also has two grandsons, Parker Lewter and Dylan Lewter that were his pride and joy. He leaves a sister, Elizabeth Wilton and her husband Charles, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Ray Lewter. Wayne was employed at ConAgra for 43 years, having served in various management positions throughout his career. His career started when the company was known as the Jesse Jones Sausage Company and his first assignment was to establish a quality control program. When General Mills took over in the mid 60’s, he was made plant superintendent, Production Manager. When he retired in 2002, he held the distinction of having the most seniority of all 84,000+ employees. After graduating high school, Wayne attended East Carolina College and King’s Business College after graduating from Woodland Olney High School in 1957. He was involved in many civic and business organizations, serving as presidents of many including the NC Meat Processors Association. An avid hunter, he and his family started the local chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and worked many years for the preservation of wildlife habitat throughout the country. His grandsons were his pride and joy as well as the home and farmland in Potecasi, NC where he grew up. He loved to spend time with his sons and grandsons, be it chasing elk in the Rockies or duck hunting on our coast or deer and turkey hunting in Potecasi. Wayne has been a member of First Baptist Church of Garner since 1960. He taught a Sunday School Class in early years and served as a church deacon as well. Funeral service will be at 11:00am Saturday Oct. 31, 2020 at First Baptist Church of Garner, burial to follow at Montlawn Memorial Park. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will be no formal visitation, however, Wayne will lie in state Friday from 12 noon until 6 pm at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner for those wishing to pay their respects and sign the guest book, no family will be present. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Baptist Church, E3:20, 601 St. Marys St. Garner, NC 27529