Arthur James Lewis

Arthur James Lewis (78), affectionately known as “Art,” “Big Art” and “Herc,” transitioned from this life on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, from complications associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. Art was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, August 6, 1944, to Timothy Lewis and Alberta (Donald) Lewis. Art was educated in the Harrisburg School District where he was an outstanding athlete. He played the position of Right Guard wearing #64 throughout his football career. In 1961, he was chosen to play for Pennsylvania’s Big 33 Football Classic in Hershey, Pennsylvania. He was offered scholarships from several colleges and universities. He graciously accepted a full football scholarship to Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA. Because of his huge passion for sports and his phenomenal athletic accomplishments, in 1967, Art went on to play semi-professional football for the Montreal Beavers in the Canadian Football League in Montreal, Canada. During the late 60’s and early 70’s, he also played for the Harrisburg Capitols, the Chambersburg Cardinals and the Hagerstown Bears. In 1978, he began coaching for Susquehanna Township’s Midget Football League and coached little league basketball for four seasons. In his early years, Art was a great mechanic and lover of drag racing custom building his own race car that he named “Hard Times.” He won numerous trophies for quarter mile races at Quarter Aces Drag Strip. He later customized a Dodge van that was featured in a national car and van magazine. Art was also an avid lover of Oldies music from the 60’s and 70’s and was known to sing along passionately when his favorite song was playing (even if he didn’t know the words). Art was a natural born businessman establishing his construction business, Hercules Enterprises in 1974. Here he mastered a multitude of construction projects including demolition, dump truck rentals and home repairs. He soon developed a passion for real estate and property management, specializing in rehabilitating abandoned properties turning them into showplaces. Utilizing the skills acquired in his construction business, Art built his longtime dream custom home where he lived for many years. Art had a quick wit and an infectious laugh. He was kindhearted, had a compassionate spirit and an unforgettable smile. He was a firm believer in God and never strayed far from his religious upbringing. He was baptized in 1979 at Tabernacle Baptist Church and later became a member of Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church in Harrisburg. In the early 90’s, he reunited with his childhood and family church, The North 17th Street Church of God where he remained a dedicated member. Art was preceded in death by his parents, the late Timothy and Alberta Lewis; and his brother, George Richard Lewis. He leaves to cherish his memory six children, Antonio (Tony) Flood, Tanya Kirkland-Alfonso (Alexis), Karla Taylor (Michael), Aaron Lewis and (twins) Arthur Jr. and Rachael Lewis; his grandchildren, Julian Sellers (Shi’Mara), (twins) Jhoedi and Jhordyn Sellers, Chandler Lewis, Jalen Lewis, Gabriel Lewis, Alexis Ann Alfonso, Erika Alfonso and Kristian Alfonso; great-granddaughters, Jada Sullivan, Ava Neubaum and Bailey Sellers; and three brothers, Thomas Lewis, Leonard (LT) Lewis and Eugene Lewis. Also cherishing his memory are his devoted and longtime sweetheart and caregiver, Mary Hill, and a loving host of family members, friends and business associates. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME.

Tributes

Arthur James Lewis

August 6, 1944 - January 11, 2023