WILMINGTON — Lester Lee Hewett, Jr, 75, of Wilmington, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on September 21, 1949, in Wilmington to the late Lester Lee Hewett and Kizzy (Britt) Hewett.
Lee was born and raised in Wilmington, NC, where he and his best friend, Wayne Ash, had fun exploring and getting into trouble around town. He volunteered for service during the Vietnam War and joined the 101st Airborne Division of the Army as a communications specialist and paratrooper. There, he deployed to Vietnam and served in combat, earning a Bronze Star for his heroic actions. After some time in Washington state and college, he settled back down in Wilmington and worked in the glass industry, eventually running the well-renowned Lee’s Glass Service for over 30 years. He married his wife, Nancy, and was a father to Melanie, Jennifer, Daniel, and Alex.
Lee loved living a simple life, focused on his family, friends, and having a good time. He enjoyed boating, playing in the water, and gardening. He was well-known for giving buckets and jars of tomatoes he grew to people around town. He also loved to play golf with his brother Dave, sons Daniel and Alex, and other friends and family. Most of all, he loved to laugh and would bring a smile to anyone’s face he was around. He was a kind, funny man that will be missed by all whose life he touched.
Lester is survived by his wife of 37 years, Nancy (Maultsby) Hewett; his sons, Alex Hewett and wife, Kristin, Daniel Hewett; his daughter, Jennifer Smith and husband, Jonathan; his sister, Shannon Clemmons; his grandchildren, Carter Smith, Shepard Smith, Mara Phelps, Grace Phelps; his sister-in-law, Teresa Hewett; his life-long friend, Wayne Ash; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
In addition to his parents, Lester was also preceded in death by his daughter, Melanie Phelps; his brother, Dave Hewett; and his sister, Christine Justice.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Lester’s honor to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here.
