William Paul Lewis

Paul Lewis, age 92, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away at his home on Sunday April 27, 2025, with his loving wife of 36 years by his side.

Paul grew up in Kingsport, Tennessee and joined the U.S. Army from 1953-1955, during the Korean Conflict.

After receiving his honorable discharge from the Army, Paul opened two businesses in Johnson City; his upholstery business called Kover King and his restaurant called Capital Grill.

It was during this time that he would get started in auto racing. Paul began racing modifies and hot rods in 1956 and ran his first NASCAR race in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. He was instrumental in the opening of the Bristol International Raceway in 1959-1960 after many meetings with Larry Carrier. Paul ran the first NASCAR race in Bristol, coming in second place, then going on the following week to win at Smokey Mountain Raceway in Maryville, Tennessee. He always had a love for racing. He once stated that he had raced everything that had wheels. Paul retired from racing in the 1970’s before opening his used car business called Paul’s Auto World and investing in commercial and residential real estate.

Paul’s other interests would include listening to bluegrass and gospel music, fishing, attending Racer’s Reunions with his fellow drivers, and spending time with his family and friends.

Paul attended Heritage Baptist Church from the time it was founded until his health prevented him from doing so. He loved his fellow church members and looked forward to every worship service.

Paul was predeceased by: his parents, Raymond Lee and Flora Jane Lewis of Mount Airy, North Carolina; and his brother, Golden Matthew Lewis of Locust Grove, Virginia.

In addition to his loving wife, Linda Lewis, he is survived by: a niece, Donna (Bob) Wilson of Fairfax, Virginia; a nephew, Mike Lewis of Springfield, Virginia; several nieces and nephews by marriage; three sisters-in-law; Patricia Hixon of Johnson City, Tennessee, Janice Oliver of Johnson City, Tennessee, and Gail Taylor of Kingsport, Tennessee; two brothers-in-law, Lester (Brenda) Taylor of Rockmart, Georgia and Eddie Drayne of Johnson City, Tennessee; and many double first cousins of North Carolina and Florida.

A visitation for family and friends is scheduled from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday May 1, 2025, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home in the Dogwood Chapel. The funeral service will begin, following the visitation, at 7:00 pm. Pastor Reggie Weems and Steven McLemore will be officiating the service.

A graveside service for Paul will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday May 2, 2025, at Roselawn Memory Gardens. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 11:50 am. Pallbearers will be chosen from family and friends.

Memories and sympathies may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Avenue Johnson City, Tennessee 37601, is honored to serve the family of Paul Lewis.