William Russell Lewis Jr.

William Russell Lewis Jr. obituary

FUNERAL HOME

Carroway Funeral Home - Lufkin

2704 S. John Redditt Dr

Lufkin, Texas

William Lewis Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from May 28 to May 31, 2017.

Celebrations of Life for a life well lived and a man deeply loved, William Russell Lewis, Jr., 85, of Lufkin, formerly of Nacogdoches, will be held Friday, June 2, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Nacogdoches, Texas, followed by a service in the PineCrest Retirement Community Chapel in Lufkin at 2:00 p.m. William "Bill" Russell Lewis passed peacefully from this life to the next at 7:47 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at PineCrest Retirement Community in Lufkin, Texas. Bill Lewis, the devoted son of William Russell Lewis and Clara (Scheick) Lewis, was born February 22, 1932 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Bill married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth "Bette" Ann Leininger, in 1950 and they remained happily married for 67 years. Bill and Bette have three children: Dolores, William, and James.Bill began what would be his life’s career in 1950 as a Steno for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad; thirty-five years later he retired, at the age of 54, from CSX as Regional Sales Manager. During his career in sales and management, Bill and Bette made their home in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Kansas, Missouri, Massachusetts, and Maryland. After retirement in 1986, Bill and Bette loved traveling the country in their 5th wheel. For 25 years, they lived in less than 400 square feet, and made many wonderful friends and memories, visiting all 50 states. They also traveled the world visiting China, Europe, Russia, Australia, and South America. In 2010 they moved into a home in Nacogdoches to be near family. Some of Bill’s many pastimes over the years were boating with Bette and their kids on Lake Michigan, working on cars with his sons, riding motorcycles with his wife and kids, playing golf, eating ice cream (he had an impressive reputation in this department), taking an afternoon nap, and spending time with his family and many friends. Bill was a loving family man who made friends wherever he went. We will remember his smile, his warmth, his energy, and his love for life, family, and friends. He worked very hard all his life and he made a difference in the lives of many. Bill was an active member of his church since childhood, beginning with serving as an acolyte as a young boy to singing in the choir, attending Sunday School, and serving on many boards and committees. Bill was a Master Mason in good standing for more than 50 years, and a member of the Milam Masonic Lodge #2 A.F. & A.M. of Nacogdoches. He sang with the Heart to Heart Chorus of Nacogdoches and volunteered with the Salvation Army. Bill is survived by his wife, Bette; daughter, Dolores Brock and husband Gary of Florence, Oregon; son, Duke Lewis and wife Linda of Mount Enterprise; son, Jim Lewis and wife Terry of Winnsboro, Texas; and his only grandchild, granddaughter, Jennifer Brannan and husband Allan of Weatherford, Texas. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his great-grandson, Aaron Lewis Brannan, who was taken from this life suddenly three years ago - one of the saddest days of Bill’s life. We ask that, in lieu of flowers, you make a contribution to the charity of your choice in Bill’s name, to First United Methodist Church, 201 E. Hospital Street, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961, or to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904. Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com. Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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5 Entries

May 30, 2017

Sid and Rita Siders

We will miss Bill's sense of humor, laughter and nicknames for everyone. We know Bill is in a better place and we hope Bette can have peace and happiness until the time comes when she joins Bill for eternity.

May 30, 2017

Sylvia Barr

Bette, we have you in our prayers for comfort of your loss of your dear Bill, from our Lord and may He ease your grief. We know your memories of him and your family will be with you. Star Love, Sylvia Barr and the Nacogdoches #428 Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.

May 29, 2017

Sue & Doug Brock

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Memories are precious, try to hold them close.

May 28, 2017

Dolly Brock

My Dad was a kind and generous man. He worked hard all of his life to provide for us and he always put our happiness ahead of his own. And he always made me proud. I will miss his laugh, his beautiful voice, his whistle, his gentle bear hug, his love of ice cream, his smile, and so many other things. i love you, Dad.

May 28, 2017

kelley

MAY THE THOUGHT OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARING IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOU A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV.17:17

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Carroway Funeral Home - Lufkin

2704 S. John Redditt Dr, Lufkin, TX 75904

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