Lewis, educated at the Monoux School, Walthamstow, began his football career as a 16-year-old with the famous amateur side Walthamstow Avenue (his father had also played for them) and in three stints with the club scored 423 goals in 522 appearances, mainly as a centre forward.
Just days later, Lewis received a telephone call from Chelsea manager Ted Drake, and promptly signed for the club.
He juggled his playing time with working as a salesman for Thermos flasks which, unlike many of his fellow players, allowed him to have a car.
With Roy Bentley established as Chelsea's centre forward, Lewis was switched to either outside or inside left.
Lewis won 49 caps for the England amateur national side, and also played for the Great Britain football team at the 1952, 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games.