Mr. Walter Earl Lewis, Sr. was born June 13, 1926 to Mr. Edgar Lewis and Mrs. Jennie Evans Lewis.
He accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized and joined Beulah Baptist Church in Margaret, Alabama in 1935. Mr. Lewis attended Margaret Elementary and St. Clair County High School. In 1943, he joined the U.S. Navy and served as 1st Class Officer Cook and Apprentice Carpenter. He was in WWII where he received the Victory Medal and Asiatic-Pacific Medal. In 1947, he joined Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Leeds and served on the finance committee. Mr. Lewis joined the Masons and was affiliated with Russell Heights Lodge #665 in Leeds, AL. Eventually, he moved to Birmingham and married Barbara Hall to which two children were born, Walter Earl Lewis, Jr. and Stephanie Lynn Lewis. He later joined Shady Grove Baptist Church where he served faithfully as a Deacon and Head Trustee until his demise. He retired from IKG Borden Medal as a truck driver with over 30 years of service!
Mr. Lewis was a devoted daddy and granddaddy who loved his family very much and was nominated “Father of the Year” by the NAACP! He was known as “granddaddy” to so many. He would often be seen at community events or strolling through the park. He was a sharp dresser and loved to wear suits and hats. He also enjoyed watching sports and country westerns. Until the day of his passing, Mr. Lewis was still cooking 3 meals a day, handling his own (financial) affairs, and driving!
He was very well-known and loved to talk about the Bible and the goodness of God. His quotes and sayings will be remembered by many for years to come. He was a loving man with a good heart and a humble spirit. He often stressed the importance of being kind to one another and always telling the truth. He wanted to be remembered for ‘trying to help someone.’ His favorite scripture was Galatians 6:7.
Mr. Lewis was preceded in death by his son: Walter Earl Lewis, Jr.; two step-sons: Samson Lawson, Jr. and Frederick Lee Lawson; his siblings: Joe Mayes, Robert Mayes, Christine Burton, Bennie C. Mayes, Bennie Ruth Mayes, Mary Alice, Juanita Taylor, and Sam Mayes.
He leaves to cherish his memories his daughter: Mrs. Stephanie Lynn Lewis-Woods (Rodrequis); one step-son: Mr. Dywane E. Lawson; four grandchildren: Mr. Tremaine Antonio Lewis (Monique), Ms. Bianca Mercedes Lewis, Ms. Brandi Alexis Lewis, and Mr. Gabriel Elijah Lewis; five great grandchildren: Nalani, Kyra, Kaci, Tremaine, Jr. and Tru; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
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