AHOSKIE, NC – Dr. Michael Adam Hewitt, age 78, died peacefully on March 3, 2018 at the Service League of Greenville In-Patient Hospice facility.

Dr. Hewitt was born on October 27, 1939 to the late Virginia C. and Orville M. (“Tiny”) Hewitt and grew up predominantly in Asheville, NC.  He graduated from Lawrenceville School in 1958 and Princeton University in 1962.  He proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1962-1966.

Always fascinated by the workings of the mind, he received his PhD in Psychology from Long Island University in 1979 and ultimately spent most of his professional career as a clinical psychologist at the Roanoke Chowan Human Services Center. He was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Ahoskie, NC.

Intensely creative, he involved himself in many artistic endeavors. He acted in many local theater productions and occasionally complained of being typecast as the cantankerous man with an outsized personality.  Many have fond memories of his singing especially at holiday church services. Over the years he also wrote poetry and composed music. He will likely be best remembered for his paintings.  He painted throughout his life but in earnest after retiring, producing numerous colorful and inventive abstract paintings.

He was not a man of moderation. Whether it was loving his family, giving generous and thoughtful gifts, collecting miniature tanks and soldiers, or creating art; it was all done to the fullest extent possible. His sharp wit made many laugh and scandalized a few. He helped inspire book characters. Life with Dr. Hewitt was rarely boring.

Dr. Hewitt is survived by his wife of 56 years Brenda, who was his muse. He likened her love to the sea that helped smooth his rough edges. He is also survived by his two children Laura and Getzen, and granddaughter Anjali, who all share his sharp humor and his appreciation for art.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Friday, April 13, 2018, at 11:00 am at St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Ahoskie with the Rev. Jeff Douglas officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 424 W. Church St., Ahoskie, NC, 27910; or the Gallery Theatre, P.O. Box 521, Ahoskie, NC, 27910; or you may donate online by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search; then type, Michael Hewitt.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service of Ahoskie is serving the Hewitt family and online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.