Lewis M. Fetterman was a 1939 Graduate of Patton School
CLINTON - Lewis M. Fetterman, 88, died peacefully in his home at 208 Fox Lake Drive on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010, in the company of his loving family and staff. He was born in Berwick, Pa., on Oct. 5, 1921, the second of three children to George H. and Agnes Elizabeth Fetterman.
Mr. Fetterman attended Patton Masonic School in Elizabethtown, Pa., which served as the foundation for a lifetime of service with the Free Masons, and after graduating in 1939, he served an apprenticeship as template maker, pattern maker and layout man for the American Car and Foundry Co. in Berwick. In 1943, Mr. Fetterman enlisted in the United States Navy and applied his skills to the war effort as a seabee (construction battalion). He took part in the invasion of Okinawa before being honorably discharged in 1946 and returning home to Berwick. Soon after returning, his sister introduced him to fellow Sunday school teacher Annabelle Lundy, whom he married in 1947. In 1949, the family moved to Clinton, N.C., and Mr. Fetterman helped his father-in-law, wife and brother-in-law start The Lundy Packing Co., which began operation in 1950 on the same day his son, Lewis M. Fetterman Jr. was born. The company and the family began to grow, and Mr. and Mrs. Fetterman soon added daughter Mabel May, affectionally known to friends as "Molly."
A lifelong Presbyterian, Mr. Fetterman became a member of Graves Memorial Presbyterian Church in Clinton. He contributed greatly to the work of the local church, serving as president of the men, chairman of the deacons and as an elder. Mr. Fetterman was also involved in the Wilmington Presbytery, the Synod of N.C., and as a former delegate to the General Assembly. Under the guidance of his father-in-law and with the support of his wife, Mr. Fetterman learned the pork business throughout, and ultimately served as president and general manager of The Lundy Packing Co. from 1980 to 1987, and as a director from 1993 to 2000. Additionally, Mr. Fetterman was general manager of operations for Dunn Meat Packers and of Tomahawk Farms Inc., both of Dunn, and served as assistant to the president for Heartland Pork Enterprises Inc., in the midwest from 1994 to 1999. Mr. Fetterman was also proud to serve on the board of First Citizens Bank, a position which he held until his passing. Passionate about everything he pursued, Mr. Fetterman shared a love of camellias with Annabelle and traveled widely to flower shows. He was likewise devoted to the Boy Scouts of America and was awarded the Silver Beaver in recognition of his efforts. He loved free enterprise and helped found the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business at Campbell University so that free minds could flourish in rural eastern North Carolina. He later served on the University's board as trustee and adviser, and relished the promise and energy of America's youth. In his retirement, Mr. Fetterman continued a lifetime of employing entrepreneurial principles to effect social change by founding Super Soil Systems USA Inc. (now Terra Blue Inc.), a green-tech company dedicated to helping the pork industry remain viable and sustainable by developing environmentally friendly solutions to agricultural waste challenges in North Carolina.
Mr. Fetterman was preceded in death by his parents; siblings; and son, Lewis M. Fetterman Jr. Mr. Fetterman is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mrs. Annabelle L. Fetterman; a daughter, Mabel "Molly" Held of Clinton; and three grandchildren, Charlotte Elizabeth Fetterman, Lewis Morris Fetterman III and Bradford Kyle Held. Lew loved people and ideas, and never tired of sharing his vision for tomorrow and of what could be built if only one had a little imagination and persistence. His family thanks friends, colleagues, associates and caregivers for their love and devotion and for sharing in the life of a remarkable man. A celebration of Lew's life is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010. A 10 a.m. graveside burial service will be held in the Clinton Cemetery, followed at 11 a.m. by a memorial service at Graves Memorial Presbyterian Church. Dr. James Goodloe and Dr. Jerry Wallace will officiate. The family will receive friends at a lunch reception following the service in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Graves Memorial Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 201 Fayetteville St., Clinton, NC 28328; Campbell University "Lewis M. Fetterman Scholarship Fund," P.O. Box 116, Buies Creek, NC 27506; or to the American Camellia Society, Massee Lane Gardens, 100 Massee Lane, Fort Valley, GA 31030. Arrangements are being handled by Royal-Hall Funeral Home of Clinton. Condolences may be sent through www.royalhallfuneralhome.com.