Retired Sergeant Major Jesse C. Ewing

SGM Ewing was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, June 6, 1926, the only child of Willie and Janie (Cleveland) Ewing and was raised in Elaine, Arkansas. He resided in the Fort Devens/Ayer/Shirley area for over 45 years. He graduated from high school in Helena, Arkansas, and attended college working towards his dream of becoming a physician. In 1945 he was drafted into the United States Army, was discharged in 1946, and reentered and served for a total of 30 years retiring in 1979. He served in World War II in Europe, Fort Huachuca, AZ, in Asmara, Ethiopia, and briefly in the Vietnam War in various positions including quartermaster, tanker, and serving with the Army Security Agency in communications and electronics. In 1979, he continued his career with Civil Service as an Electronics Training Instructor. He retired from Civil Service in 1993 after 14 years of service. He served his country for a total of 44 years. SGM Ewing was tough but fair when spoken of by his former soldiers and students. In 1947 he married Myrtis (Bell) Ewing and they had three sons and one daughter. Jesse had one daughter prior to this marriage who was raised in Arkansas. He and his wife, Myrtis, enjoyed bowling and traveling across the country as he competed in league competitions. Along the way they would stop to visit family and friends. Jesse made the monies for these trips by recycling cans and bottles he picked up while walking along Shirley and Ayer roads for many years in his pith/safari helmet. He is survived by two sons, Jessie C. Ewing (Sandy) of Randallstown, MD, Kevin R. Ewing of Boxborough, MA; a daughter, Debra L. Ewing-Lonczak (John) of Dupont WA. He leaves behind eight grandchildren, Lenora Habersham and Jessehna C. Ewing, of Baltimore, MD, Jessie C. Ewing III (Sabrina) of Denmark, Janice Johnson-Child (Jerome) of Fairfield Ca, Lorrie Johnson, Jessie Johnson and Leroy Johnson all of Sacramento Ca. He also leaves behind 19 great grandchildren, 31 great great grandchildren, and his sister-in-law Ozie Mae Washington of North Chicago, IL. He leaves behind numerous other relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his wife, Myrtis, of 62 years, a daughter, Juanita Ewing, son, Willie J. Ewing, grandson, Charles Johnson, and a great great grandson. He was a member of the New Patriot Christian Congregation in Fitchburg.

Tributes

Retired Sergeant Major Jesse C. Ewing

January 31, 2017