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Daily Herald Staff Writer
 Della Batts | Daily Herald E. A. “Pro” Lewis was honored this week for 71 years of service to the Boy Scouts of America. Troop #144 named the Scout Hut at the corner of 7th and Madison in Pro’s honor. Pro and his daughter Kim Kincaid were moved to tears. |
After 71 years of service to the Boy Scouts of America, recruiting nearly 100 young men into its service and influencing innumerable young people, Pro was honored as Troop #144 dedicated it’s renovated Scout Hut in his honor. The tears rolled down the senior’s face when the sign was unveiled, revealing Pro’s name. “I can’t help it,” he sobbed quietly. His hand covered his eyes then quickly he composed himself and joined in for a photo.
More than 150 people showed up for a picnic supper on the grounds in honor of this dedication. Pro’s family was there and many of his friends. Ray Frank, Scout executive for the East Carolina Council came from Kinston, to celebrate with Pro. Superior Court Judge Alma Hinton, Halifax Community College President Dr. Ervin Griffin, Roanoke Rapids Mayor Drewery Beale, City Manager Paul Sabiston and a host of other local dignitaries joined the celebration and offered their congratulations.
“Pro, I’m glad to see the buzzards ain’t got you yet,” said longtime friend and City Councilman Ed Deese.
“You’re walkin’ like an old man,” retorted Pro. The two laughed and exchanged a warm handshake. Everyone around smiled when they saw the two together and the line of people waiting to see Pro grew, so the two parted ways.
Kim Kincaid, Pro’s daughter, was noticeably emotional as she spoke of all her father has done for the community. “I’m so proud. It’s tough to put in words,” she said through the tears. “He’s a wonderful father, grandfather and great grandfather.” Kincaid said Pro was dedicated to his family and his troop, and she is saddened because all his grandchildren and great grandchildren are girls. “No more scouts,” she said. “I would give anything if there was someone to carry on his legacy.”
Pro’s granddaughter agreed. Kelsey Kincaid said she too is proud of her granddad. “I’m very proud for everything he’s done and accomplished through the Boy Scouts. It makes me feel good and I know I can do anything I put my mind to because of him. I look up to him so much,” she said.
Kelsey went on to say she was amazed at how many people her grandfather knows and how many friends he has. “It’s amazing to see how many people would do anything for him.” Kelsey expressed her love for her grandfather and said once again how proud she is. “I’m so happy he’s come as far as he has,” she said.
Kelsey and Kim expressed their admiration at Pro’s resilience and determination. “As long as they come and get him he goes,” Kim said as she pointed at one of the scout leaders. “Tomorrow night he speaks at a Cub Scout meeting. He’ll be teaching scouting and what it’s like to grow up with scouting.”
Scout Leader Joe Long said it was about time to honor Pro for his work for the troop and for Boy Scouts of America. He said for one thing the troop had been working on the renovations since 2003. “It’s finally finished,” said Joyner. He smiled broadly then continued. “Pro has 65 Eagles he’s had a hand on. In the near future there will be over 75. He was Scout Master when I got my Eagle. He’s always been here and he’s always had his hands in it in one way or another. It’s a fitting time for him to be honored.”
When asked how the dedication made him feel, the lifetime boy scout said, “I’m overwhelmed. I’ll be honest. I’ve been a scout all my life and I plan on it staying that way. I’ve got one recruit right now to interview and I’ve influenced over 90.” Pro paused for a second, looked down then grinned and looked up. “Yea, I’m going for 100.”
Pro said in the future he hopes to see more people involved in scouting. He said it teaches young men valuable lessons, gives them ethics and helps prepare them for the future.
Troop #144 also dedicated their Cord of Honor Ceremony to Pro. More than 20 young men advanced in rank and received merit badges at the ceremony. “You know, the scouts are celebrating 100 years next year,” said Long. “When you consider Pro’s been a part of scouts for 71 years ... he’s been in it almost as long as it’s been around. That shows what dedication and commitment are all about.”
Mayor Beale spoke during the ceremony, commending Pro and the troop for all their hard work. While there he asserted he would approach the city council about donating the property to the troop. “We appreciate the fact the Mayor said he’d work on seeing if the city is willing to donate the property. We’ve been there a long time. It would be good to know we have a place to stay,” said Long.
Long also expressed his gratitude to the Rotary Club, who has sponsored the troop since 1956. “They provide funds, pay the light bill, things like that,” said Long. “We appreciate all they do to help us.”
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