Wallace Lewis, one of the founders of bluegrass Gospel’s most enduring stage show, The Lewis Family, passed away yesterday afternoon (5/16). He was 78 years old.

He performed with brother Talmadge and Esley as The Lewis Brothers in the 1940s, occasionally including their youngest brother, “Little Roy,” still a young boy, on banjo. Their repertoire included country and square dance favorites.

The Lewis Family debuted in 1951, and included brothers Talmadge, Wallace and Little Roy, along with their sisters Miggie, Janis and Polly - and the patriarch Roy “Pop” Lewis.

Funeral arrangements for Wallace Lewis are expected to be announced shortly. Check The Lewis Family web site for more information.