Fred “Two Wheels” Lewis, 78, of Hiawassee, Ga., passed away Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, at his residence.
He was well known among the mountain biking and motorcycle community for his love of being on two wheels. He was instrumental in the planning, development and continued maintenance of Jackrabbit Mountain Biking and Hiking Trails in Clay County.
Fred was also known as having “tools for fingers” because of his mechanical skills and ability to repair pretty much anything.
He grew up in Connecticut, but his work with BellSouth took him to Florida, where he raised his two daughters.
Upon retirement, Fred moved to Hiawassee so he could be among the mountains where he loved riding his bikes.
He was an active member and treasurer of the Southern Appalachian Bicycling Association (SABA) and also served on the SABA Trail Committee where he held a National Sawyer Certification.
Fred was also involved with the Southern Off Road Mountain Biking Association (SORBA) and attended several trail-building schools, southern summits and International Mountain Biking Summits.
For over 18 years, Fred volunteered at the Clay County Schools Pathways Summer Program to introduce youth to the sport of mountain biking.
Fred met his sweetheart, Joanna, on the trail, and they enjoyed close to 20 years of adventures locally and all across the USA and beyond. He represented SABA as a member of the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA), and appreciated this organization’s actions to promote heritage, tourism, trails and greenways.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Anne Lewis, along with a sister, Lynn Kayser.
He is survived by his partner and best friend, Joanna Padgett-Atkisson; a sister Mitzie Baker (Rick); and his beautiful daughters, Kimberly Lewis Cozzolino (Joseph), Kelly Lewis Smith; and their mother, Geraldine Lewis. Fred cherished his grandchildren, Cade, Cole and Chloe Darbyshire, and Emily Smith, along with his extended family, cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends.
His friends meant the world to him, and he wanted everyone to know that he had a great ride.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, at Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville, with the Rev. Turner Guidry officiating. Music will be provided by Rob Tiger and Wyatt Espalin.
The family will receive friends from 1-1:45 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, at Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville, prior to the service.
Interment will be in First United Methodist Church Cemetery, Hayesville. Pallbearers will be Chester Rowland, Jeff Bankston, J.C. Rangel, Gary Bradley, Noel Turner and Burt Franklin. Honorary pallbearers will be members of SABA.
The family requests that all who attend wear a mask.
In lieu of flowers, donations to help maintain the Jackrabbit trails can be made to the Jackrabbit Trail Fund, c/o SABA, P.O. Box 542, Hayesville, NC 28904 (www.sabacycling.com).
Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville, is in charge of arrangements.
An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhome.com.