George Perry Lewis' Obituary
George Perry Lewis, 87, of Germantown, Tennessee went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 2, 2025. He was born and raised in Memphis. A true Memphian, George lived his entire life here. He graduated in 1956 from Central High School before enlisting in the US Army and continued into the Reserves. George attended Memphis State University, and was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He was involved with the Student Government Association, American Marketing Association, president of the Cub Club and Pi Sigma Epsilon, the sales and marketing fraternity. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business in 1961. George then married the love of his life, Frances Elizabeth Burton on August 12, 1961 and began their 64 years of marriage together. George started his career in February of that same year with First National Bank of Memphis, that later became First Tennessee Bank – present day First Horizon. He served as a management trainee when he started that year and continued to advance his career over the next nine years becoming senior vice president and manager of the bond department in 1970. When he was named senior vice president, at the age of 31, he was one of the youngest senior vice presidents named, at that time, in the 106 – year history of the bank. In October 1972 he was promoted to manage the investment division of the bank then becoming executive vice president in February 1976. From February 1976 until his retirement in October 1999 he served as executive vice president and managed the wealth management division. George’s professional development during his tenure with the bank included attending the American Banking Association Executive School, Southwestern School of Banking and the Stanford University Executive Program having completed that program in the mid 80’s.
George was also very active in his church, where he served as a member of Whitehaven United Methodist Church for 23 years and Christ Methodist Church for 39 years. He served both churches in various board positions in particular to the finance committee along with chairing several annual stewardship campaigns. George recently transferred his membership to Germantown United Methodist Church in September 2025 to be closer to his family and where he lived. George also served on the board of Methodist Hospital from 1981 until his retirement. George was also an avid wood worker, and loved history and the outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing and reading. After his retirement he began a new hobby and became an avid golfer. George was a faithful man, a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He is survived by his wife, Frances; son, William Scott Lewis (Toni); daughter in law, Tene’ Lewis; sister, Martha Rose Manos (Joe) and three grandchildren, Jessica Brooke Lewis, Elizabeth Claire Lewis and Jordan Brock Lewis. George was preceded in death by his parents, Perry Floyd and Rose Lewis; and his son, Perry Michael Lewis. Services will be held at Germantown United Methodist Church, visitation will be at 10:00AM with the memorial service to follow at 11:00AM on Friday, October 17th. The family will have a private Committal service at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Germantown United Methodist Church 2331 S. Germantown Rd., Germantown, TN 38138 or Gate – Gateway to Independence, P.O. Box 6023, Maryville, TN, 37802, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
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