Harley Edward Lewis Jr., 80, of Cottage Grove, Ore., passed away Jan. 12, 2021. Harley was born to parents Harley and Millicent (Owen) Lewis on Dec. 28, 1940 in Roland, Okla. After graduating from Sierra High School in Tollhouse, Calif., Harley attended Fresno State College and received his bachelor’s as a diesel mechanic. Harley worked as a tree surgeon for Juanquin County, and as a heavy diesel mechanic for Weyerhaeuser, Eugene Sand & Gravel, and at Rexius, where he retired. He started racing stock cars on a dirt track in his 20s and won several championships at Placerville, Calif., and Cottage Grove Speedways, as well as earning a place on the hall of fame at both speedways.
He is survived by his son Harley (Mary) Lewis lll, of Turlock, Calif.; son Benjamin (Denise) Lewis of Stockton, Calif.; daughter Elizabeth (Pat) Risso of Cottage Grove; daughter Rebecca (Johnny) Lewis of Glendale, Ariz.; son Jonathon Lewis of Lebanon, Ore.; sister Ruth Long of Auberry, Calif.; sister Joan Tibbet of Colorado; 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents. A Celebration of Life to be held on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 77873 S. 6th St., Cottage Grove. Arrangements in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium, Cottage Grove.
