Earl Lewis taught two generations of Sylacauga young folks not only sports but also character. He had been a linchpin of area sports for so long that few still alive can remember when the Earl Lewis era started – in the 1950s.
Lewis died Sunday at age 87 after an extended illness.
His visitation will be held at Curtis & Son Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 19, from 5-8 p.m. The funeral will be on Thursday, November 20, at 11:00 a.m, with graveside following at Evergreen.
When Earl Lewis started making a difference with the youth of Sylacauga, the U.S. President was Dwight Eisenhower.
He retired from Sylacauga High School in 1993 after a long career as an educator and coach.
He then became director of the Care House of Sylacauga and, in 2020, received the “Heart of an Eagle” award from the Boy Scouts for his community leadership.
Lewis was a co-author of the book, “Sylacauga: Images of America,” a historical and pictorial tribute to his hometown. The book is available for purchase and check-out from the local library.
He wrote regular columns about sports and local accomplishments for Sylacauga Today, SylacaugaNews.com and other local publications.
His famous high school English teacher, Miss Velma Goodgame, would be so proud of Earl’s writing but would, of course, suggest improvements. She always did.
The Sylacauga High School Athletic Alumni Association established a “Coach Earl Lewis Scholarship” in his honor.
Earl served on the Historical Society and the Beautification Council.
Outgoing Sylacauga Mayor Jim Heigel made as his last act a recommendation that the new track and field house at Legion Stadium be named for Earl Lewis.
One of Lewis’ first sports involvements as a coach was the swim and dive team at the municipal pool. He taught a whole generation of Sylacaugans to swim.
Young Harry Brown, Jr. tells a typical Earl Lewis story:
Little Harry was on the high diving board. He froze and was afraid to jump off. Coach Lewis tried in vain to get Harry to jump. Finally, Lewis thought of something.
“I’ll give you a nickel if you’ll jump right now.”
Now, Little Harry was from the town’s first family of banking. He was always financially motivated. The Earl Lewis offer worked, and Harry jumped. (Local folks will have great appreciation for this episode).
Learning of Lewis’ death, Brenda Teaford said:
Coach Lewis loved Sylacauga, and if there were a Mr. Sylacauga, he would definitely be it.
A long story of the community leadership of Earl Lewis was researched by local writer Ginger Clifton.
Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at [email protected].
