Claude C. Lewis 80, of Longwood, Fla., and formerly of Mt. Vernon died 6:08 a.m. Dec. 22, 2004, at Florida Hospital in Altamonte Springs, Fla.

He served as high school principal in West Salem and as superintendent at Auburn, Grayville and Sesser-Valier schools.

Mr. Lewis was born Jan. 27, 1924, in Sesser to Archie and Dena Elizabeth (Clayton) Lewis.

He married Phyllis G. (McBride) Lewis March 9, 1946, in Benton; she died July 11, 2004.

Private services were held. However, a public memorial service will be held at a later date. Entombment took place at Mt. Vernon Memorial Gardens. There was no public visitation.

Mr. Lewis is survived by a daughter, Shelia Millar and husband Jerry of Longwood, Fla.; grandchildren Sabra Condra and husband Jim of Cleveland, Tenn., and Joel Miller and fiancee Natalia Sorgente of Washington, D.C.; a sister, Clara Mae Maddox of Ventura, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by special family friends Roy and Shirley Brown of Mt. Vernon.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Mr. Lewis was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II. He was a member of the Rotary Club, Lions Club, American Legion and the National Education Association.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home, where you may call 242-3348 for obituary information at any time.