Plans for the home-going service of legendary boxing promoter and manager, Ronald “Butch” Lewis have been announced.

Fans and supporters are encouraged to attend the ceremony taking place on Monday, Aug. 1 at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware. Rev. Al Sharpton will deliver the eulogy.

Lewis died of natural causes at his home in Bethany Beach, Delaware, on Saturday, July 23. He was 65.

“We thank you for all your heartfelt expressions of love as we cope with the loss of a man who was truly like no other. Our father embodied a unique combination of tenacity, graciousness, determination, generosity, guidance and a ‘CAN DO’ attitude! We pray that everyone who knew him and loved him will celebrate the precious memories shared with the man who lived life fully—ON HIS OWN TERMS!” his family issued in a statement.

Lewis was born in Woodbury, New Jersey, on June 26, 1946. Over the course of more than three decades, Lewis is credited with the success of numerous boxing legends, including Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Michael and Leon Spinks.

In 1988, he negotiated the then largest guaranteed payday in boxing history for the "Superfight" between Michael Spinks and Mike Tyson.

Despite all of his numerous accomplishments and accolades, his family says his most important role was that of humanitarian. In 2004, then South African President Nelson Mandela presented Lewis with the nation's highest humanitarian award in honor of leading the charge in the boxing world against apartheid in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Services are as follows:

Monday, August 1, 2011
Chase Center on the Riverfront, 815 Justison Street in Wilmington, Delaware
Viewing and Repast 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Service 11:00 a.m.

(Photo: Ronnie Wright)