Dr. Robert Martin Lewis

Dr. Robert Martin Lewis, “Dr. Bob”

           1949-2026

Dr. Robert (Bob) Lewis, of Wake Forest, NC, died peacefully on September 24, 2026, at Transitions Life Care Hospice, Raleigh, after a long illness.

Bob was born in Bryn Mawr, Pa. on November 9, 1949. He was the son of Ralsten Lewis and Marguerita Hunter, and the grandson of Paul Luther Lewis and Mary Caldwell of Philadelphia, Pa. He was also very close to his late Aunt “Dor”. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dr. Maureen (Mo) McNelis, his children, Kelly McNelis, Devin Lewis, and Rachel ‘Samkhan’ Lewis, his son-in-law, Yom Senegor, and his grandchildren, Ryan Teasell, Jack Teasell, Sophie Teasell, Kelly Senegor, Joey Senegor, and Jack Senegor. He is also survived by his brothers, Paul Lewis and Rich Lewis; his niece, Lisa Lewis; and his nephews, Spencer, Marc, and John Lewis.

Bob loved nothing more than his family who will miss him dearly. He devoted his life to learning, teaching, traveling, and service to others. He possessed a wonderful sense of humor, a gentle and sweet way with children, and an endless supply of stories. He had a gift as a gentleman for making people feel welcome and for finding something to laugh about in almost every circumstance.

Bob graduated from Gettysburg College with a degree in English Literature, earned a master’s degree in education from Shippensburg University, and a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Special Education and Educational Administration.

His career in education was both long and influential. Beginning with Life Skills Lab in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania as teacher-therapist and advocate for troubled teens, Bob went on to serve in educational leadership positions in several states during his long career: Special Education Director of Franklin Co. Schools, NC, Director of Pupil Personnel Services at Fort Bragg Schools, Principal of Millbrook Elementary School, Raleigh NC, and Ordway Elementary School on Bainbridge Island, WA., and ultimately principal of Fox Road Elementary School in Raleigh, from which he retired and where he is legendary for his role as The Snowman in the school's Christmas pageants, a role that perfectly captured his willingness to join his students in the joy and silliness of school life.

Throughout his career, Bob was committed to children whose abilities and needs were overlooked. Under his leadership, he established schools as “International Baccalaureate Schools of Excellence”. Additionally, he worked with students whose first languages were not English and supported the State of North Carolina’s development of new approaches to evaluate students for gifted programs, supporting schools to recognize giftedness beyond the limitations of language. His research and work with emotionally disturbed children also contributed to the development of new programs in North Carolina.

Additionally, Bob loved Ireland and the poetry of William Butler Yeats from whom his favorite quote was: “Cast a cold eye on life, on death. Horseman pass by.”  He carried a deep appreciation for literature throughout his life. He was an avid gardener and loved golf. Golf had a special place in his family history, as his grandfather, Paul Luther Lewis, was associated with the renowned Merion Golf Club in Philadelphia.

Bob loved to cook! He first learned about cooking as a young adult in his father's restaurant in Nyack, New York. Bob and Mo loved cooking together, and food was never simply about eating—it was about welcoming people, serving others, and bringing people together. Their home and their table were places where people could gather and feel cared for.

Bob practiced meditation and yoga. His spiritual practice was an important part of his life. He is at rest, but his stories, laughter, teachings, his kindness, and the love he gave remain alive in all those who knew him. May his journey onward be peaceful, and may the merit of his kind actions in this life follow him to the next. May he carry with him the love of the many lives he touched. City of Oaks Crematory and Funeral Services, Raleigh, will post his obituary.

A celebration of Dr. Bob's life will be held at Transitions Life Care, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC on Thursday, October 8 from 12-1 pm. In lieu of flowers and food, and following Dr. Bob's wishes, donations appreciated to his legacy fund to support his children in their pursuit of educational goals at GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/23e692463