A former coach and athletic director at Western Harnett High School, Lewis Cummings, passed away last week in Lillington at the age of 71. 

Cummings graduated from Boone Trail School in 1968. While attending Methodist College, where he played basketball and was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army.  He honorably served for two years in Washington D.C. where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his exemplary service.  He returned home and attended and graduated from Campbell College.  Cummings taught and coached basketball at Cape Fear Christian Academy in Erwin. He then taught at Harnett Correctional Center in affiliation with Central Carolina Community College. In 1995, he began his career at Western Harnett High School. He was a teacher, athletic director, and coached women’s basketball until his retirement in 2010.

Outside of high school athletics, Coach Cummings was a lifelong tobacco and cattle farmer who loved the outdoors. He was an active member of Spring Hill United Methodist Church and Antioch Baptist Church who loved the Lord. Lewis was devoted to helping others and serving his community. He never met a stranger and loved a good conversation about farming, UNC basketball, and anything sports related. 

The family will receive friends at Spring Hill United Methodist Church Thursday, March 31, 2022, from 1:00-2:45 PM. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM with Rev. Dr. Bobby Rackley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.