John Lewis III

John Lewis III was born in Fremont to John “Big Thunder” Lewis, Jr., and Carrie Mae (Graham) McMichael, and was raised by his grandparents, Rev. Adolphus and Ella Graham. He was a 1971 graduate of Fremont Ross and a proud Little Giant through and through. After High School, John attended BGSU Firelands and even had a professional tryout with the Detroit Pistons.

Our Dad spent all his life in Fremont and was proud of his city. While he was known for being a star basketball player, he will be remembered for the impact he had on the many kids he coached and trained in basketball while working at the Fremont Recreation Center. Dad also spent over 30 years as a basketball referee and softball umpire and never missed a Saturday night at the Fremont Speedway. Being inducted into the Fremont Ross Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016 was the moment that really made Dad whole. If you asked Dad what his favorite song is, he would say the Fremont Ross Alma Mater. He would get choked up every time he heard it. Dad still holds several scoring records at Fremont Ross High School. When coaching and training young athletes, he would often bet them a Pepsi that he could outshoot them or say, “I'll shoot your lights out!” John would end his Sunday workouts with the kids by making them thank their parents for all that they do, and he encouraged the importance of getting good grades.

If you have ever had the pleasure of having a conversation with John, you would realize his vast knowledge of Fremont history, especially being part of the East Side Fire Station Gang. Dad was known by many titles: athlete, coach, mentor, and friend, to name a few, but the title he wore most proudly was Dad. Beyond any accolades of his own, Dad would have told you he is most proud of his kids and grandkids, bragging on them every chance he could to anyone and everyone and constantly saying, “I love my babies!” Dad was a man of God who loved the Lord with all his might. While at Valley View, Dad never missed a Sunday service and led the churchgoers in song weekly. In his final hours, we were able to witness how his faith led him fearlessly into the Kingdom with his beloved sister Lorna singing him right in.

John is survived by his best friend and sister, Lorna (Lee) McKinstry who he adored; brother Dante Lewis of Lansing MI; his children: Jennifer Lewis, Sarah J. Lewis, Samantha Lewis, John Lewis IV, Jovan Lewis, Jacob Lewis, and their significant others; grandchildren: Shunnar Gamble Jr., Mychael “Huddy” Gamble, Jalyce Anderson, Jeremiah Gutierrez, Amara Lewis, Rylen Lewis, and Olive Lewis; great-grandchildren: Lae’Lani Gamble, Parys Gamble, and Shunnar Gamble III. John loved and was loved by many great-nephews and nieces, cousins, and lifelong friends and teammates. Know that he loved you all.

Uncle was another favorite title Dad wore. EVERYONE loved Uncle John, and he loved you all as well, always asking how you were doing. Nephew Lee “Bubba” McKinstry Jr. definitely holds a special place in Dad and Aunt Beth’s hearts. Dad also had a special relationship with brothers-in-law, Tony Farago and Lee Morris McKinstry Sr.

John was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, wife Sheila Lewis, first wife Beth Lewis, and her parents, Robert and Mildred Willey, sisters Dalaney Lewis and Desiree Ford, and brother Derrick Lewis.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home, 425 E. State St., Fremont, Ohio 43420

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:00 a.m at The Church Fremont, 1105 CR 41, Fremont, Ohio 43420, with an hour of visitation prior to services from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Fremont, OH

The family would like to thank Wonderly Horvath Hanes for taking care of the funeral arrangements, Davita Dialysis Center, Dr. Rashid, Heartland Hospice, and Valley View for the great care he received.

All memorials can be made in his honor to the Fremont Ross Basketball Program.