Two-time PGA event champion and Emporia native JL Lewis has passed away.

John Lee Lewis, 59, had a lengthy battle with multiple myeloma, a form of bone marrow cancer, and succumbed to the disease on New Year’s Eve according to his social media.

Lewis’ PGA Tour career started when he turned pro in 1984. He won the Honda Invitational in 1997 before his two official PGA wins, the John Deere Classic in 1999 and the 84 Lumber Classic of Pennsylvania in 2003. He qualified for the Champions Tour in 2010 and had his best finish the following year when he tied for sixth at the SAS Championship. He participated in nine tournaments in 2012 before the cancer was diagnosed.

An Emporia High graduate, Lewis attended Texas State before turning pro. Besides his career as a PGA golfer, Lewis also formed his own golf academy at Avery Ranch and Teravista Golf Club in Texas. He also worked as a professional at several courses.

Funeral arrangements are pending.