The Hampden-Sydney community is mourning the loss of a devoted member of the College family. Lewis C. Everett '63 passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2018, following a lengthy illness.
"Lewis Everett was a dedicated alumnus of Hampden-Sydney whose impact on this College and those around him was profound," said Hampden-Sydney President Larry Stimpert. "Lewis had a tremendous passion for athletic competition and believed strongly that athletics can teach young men valuable lessons of perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship. His legacy will endure in the lives of Hampden-Sydney student-athletes, and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Leanna, and his many loved ones."
A native of Danville, Virginia, Mr. Everett was a stand-out athlete at Hampden-Sydney, earning first team all-American honors on the gridiron while also competing on the track and wrestling teams. His College record for the longest punt—a 62-yard kick against Randolph-Macon—still stands today. Mr. Everett was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, and was inducted into the Hampden-Sydney Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989. He was also a decorated veteran, serving as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Mr. Everett was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969.
"As a teammate, I can tell you Lewis was a great leader," said James F. "Whitey" Lipscomb, Jr. '66, a lifelong friend. "He led by example, and we did not want to let him down. On the surface he sometimes came across as a cold, tough guy. Underneath, he could be as warm and caring as anyone I have known. He had that infectious smile that I will always remember."
Mr. Everett's love for his alma mater endured throughout his life, and he had special passion for the Hampden-Sydney football program. His generosity enabled the College to construct Lewis C. Everett Stadium, home to the Hampden-Sydney football team. Everett Stadium, completed in 2007, continues to host crowds that rank among the highest in attendance in NCAA Division III football nationwide. Many campus events and programs also take place in the Everett Stadium Lounge overlooking Fulton Field.
"I often would tell Lewis that he's been getting first downs for the Tigers for over 50 years," said Hampden-Sydney Head Football Coach Marty Favret. "He was a larger-than-life presence when he arrived on campus in 1959, and that continued through his many years as a devoted alumnus. It's certainly fitting that our impressive football stadium bears his name."
Following his service in Vietnam, Mr. Everett began his securities career at Merrill Lynch. In 1977 he joined Wheat First Securities as vice president and branch office manager in Wilmington, North Carolina. In 1981, he moved to the home office in Richmond where in 1983 he became executive vice president and head of the Private Client Group. Under Mr. Everett's leadership, the number of branch offices increased from 48 to 109 and the number of financial consultants grew from 394 to 939. In 1996, Mr. Everett was elected vice chairman of Wheat First Butcher Singer, Inc., now known as Wells Fargo Advisors. He retired as vice chairman of Wheat First in 1999, enjoying golf, tennis, and sport fishing when he wasn't traveling the world with Leanna.
A celebration of Lewis Everett's life will take place at College Church this Saturday, February 3, in Hampden-Sydney. The visitation will begin at 11:00a.m., followed by a service and burial at 1:00p.m., with repast to follow.