At the age of 17, Lewis began working at a variety of mill and factory jobs including the Mutual Mill in Gastonia and Chrysler in Detroit. About the same time he began a lifelong passion of motorcycle riding that saw him own six cycles, travel most of the states in the Southeast, put 44,000 miles on one of his Harleys, and create a lifetime of memories.

By 1960, the pain in his right leg had become too much for him to endure. "I went to see my doctor and he said, 'Why don't we just take it off and get you an artificial leg?' I didn't hesitate - it was a good decision," Lewis recounted. "After I got my first prosthesis, which weighed 12 lbs., I was able to get around quite well. Over the years many of my friends and co workers didn't even know I was missing a leg. It certainly didn't affect my ability to ride a motorcycle!"

In the mid-1960s, Lewis began working for the Wix-Dana Corporation in Gastonia, making air filters for the automotive industry. He stayed working there until his retirement in 1988, and even met his wife Martha on the job. Martha naturally became his riding partner as they traveled from Myrtle Beach to the mountains of North Carolina and everywhere in between.

In 1991, cancer found in his left foot eventually required the amputation of his left leg below the knee and regretfully the end of his cycling days. When he was fit with his second prosthesis, the additional 12 pounds of weight became an important factor for Lewis. "I did get by for a while on that set," he noted. "After a time, I thought that there had to be something better. Turns out, I was right. Larry Morton, a certified prosthetist at Prosthetic-Orthotic Care Center in Charlotte, NC, fit me with prosthetic limbs that weigh only three pounds each."

"When I spoke to Larry on the phone for the first time, I just felt like he would listen to me and do a great job," recalled Lewis. "The conversation about my legs, comfort, fit and a whole lot of other aspects seemed to be all-inclusive. It just sounded right. Then he wanted to visit me at my house!"

"Not only did he cast my new socket at my home - no more plaster - but he also came out to fit the limbs. Larry told me, 'You know, it may take you a little time to get your balance with these new legs.' I stood up and walked the length of my house. Larry was speechless," Lewis said with a smile.

"These new legs allow me to get around without tiring as easily. I can now enjoy my yard after about four years of hard work to get it all set up just how we like it. I don't do ladders, but then I never really did."