Michael "Mike" Lewis, Sr.

Michael “Mike” K Lewis, Sr, 64, passed away on 23 August 2022, at Cape Fear Valley Hospital, Fayetteville NC. He was born to the late James B Lewis and Edith A Jerman Lewis on 28 February 1958 in Norfolk, VA. He was a Federal Law Enforcement Officer and Academy Instructor for 15 years, and retired as a Corporal with the U.S. Department of Defense, ComNavBase, Norfolk, VA. He left Norfolk VA in 2009 and relocated his family to White Oak NC, to a simpler life where they became members of White Oak Baptist Church. He is survived by his son, Michael K Lewis, II and daughter Rachel B Lewis, of Elizabethtown, NC. Special cousin and nieces, Gail Mills of Portsmouth, VA and Dr. Lawanda Wood, and her daughters Jasmine and JaiLynn Wood of Chesapeake, VA.

Mike’s love was for his family and children meant the world to him. You would always find him reading his Bible, tending to his Bonsai, or at the Dojo. He loved fishing and nature. He was a great teacher, mentor and loving husband. Mike believed that you never stop learning, his knowledge was vast and always hungry for truth. He will be missed by many and loved by all.

In 2002, with the Lord’s leading, he founded Seishin-Do Karate Seishoku-Kai, and along came his system of Christian-ha Karate-do which he named, Kirisuto Kyoto-ha (Christian-ha) Shito-Ryu. He had been training in Japanese martial arts for over 30+ years. In 2003, his Honbo Dojo was accepted to the world’s largest Christian Martial Arts Ministry Organization, Karate For Christ International, the Kai became part of its former home church (Tabernacle Church of Norfolk) ministry programs. Mike also completed his Theology course Teaching the Bible to Others from Master’s Divinity School and received the Certificate of Continuing Studies Award.

Mike was a member of many organizations and devoted his life to his community and ministry. Recognition:
● Commander, Naval Base, Norfolk, Meritorious Unit Commendation (Jan 1990)
● Secretary of the Navy, Citation for Meritorious Service (Jan 1996)
● Deputy Commander, Naval Base, Norfolk, Meritorious Unit Commendation (Jan 1996)
● Director of Security, Naval Base, Norfolk, Performance Award (Sep 1996)
● Special Operations Command Atlantic (SOCACOM), Superior Service Award
● Founded Seishin-Do Karate (Oct 2002)
● Member Karate For Christ International (May 2003)
● Promoted to Nana-Dan 7th Degree Blackbelt (Sep 2004)
● Promoted to U.S. Kaicho (Aug 2005)
● Inducted into the Karate for Christ International Hall of Fame (Oct 2005)
● Iron Man Award for Outstanding Service, Endurance, and Faithfulness (Sep 2010)