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BORN
1972
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
William Lewis Obituary
We announce with great sadness the death of a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, and "brother" of the Fire Service. Billy was born on November 9, 1972 in Yuba City, CA. He died on February 14, 2016 in Sacramento, CA after battling the demons of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder caused by 20+ years of being a First Responder.
Billy is survived by his loving parents, W.C. "Lew" and Karen Lewis of Gridley, CA; his sister Michele Rebensdorf; brother-in-law Derrick; nephew Jared; and niece Danielle, all of Elk Grove, CA. He also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
After graduating from Live Oak HS in 1991, Billy pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter. Between 1991 and 2004, he worked as a volunteer and was hired by Sutter Co. and Yuba City Fire Depts. In his desire to work for a larger dept., he became a paramedic and was hired by Sac City FD in 2004. After 10 years at SCFD, Billy retired from the job he loved. The horrors he saw as a First Responder were things he never spoke about and unfortunately he kept those feelings buried during his career. Billy was finally diagnosed with PTSD in 2014 and although he tried and made a valiant effort, he never recovered.
Though never married, Billy had many loves – his family and friends. He loved being a firefighter, loved serving others, and was proud to carry the badge. He loved his "brothers" both locally and across the country. He loved his Boxer dogs, Max (deceased) and Ember, and he recently began fostering Boxers. Billy enjoyed getting tattoos to tell his life story. He was an excellent cook, enjoyed working out in the martial arts, and he loved listening to music. He was proud of his volunteer work with the Burn Institute, The Firefighters Memorials, and the F.O.O.L.S.
We would like to offer our sincerest thanks to Kay Williams, LMFT Counselor.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Ullrey Memorial Chapel, 817 Almond Street, Yuba City, CA 95991.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to the West Coast Post-Trauma Retreat for First Responders in San Rafael or to NorCal Boxer Rescue in Billy's honor.
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www.appealdemocrat.com
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Memories and Condolences
for William Lewis
Dianne (Dailey) Malson
February 16, 2020
Dear Karen and Lew. I just want you to know that I do think of you very often, and especially when I see a little antique car cruising around. I hope your lives are surrounded with love and happiness.
Dianne (Dailey) Malson, Wells Fargo co-worker
Dianne Malson
February 15, 2019
Dear Karen & Lew, I was just thinking of you a couple of days ago. Where ever I was caused me to flash back on your loss of Billy. Karen I'm glad I saw you in Walgreens about 2 years ago so I could give you a hug. Time rushes by for everyone. I just want you to know that I think of you often and hope that your aching heart is still warm and tender as you have always been, though I know it's still bruised and always will be. Love, Dianne
Jackie Robertson
February 15, 2017
It has been a year since you left us. You are thought of often with fond memories & missed by those that know you. May you be at peace
Brian Arnold
March 2, 2016
Rest easy now brother.
February 29, 2016
May I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Lewis. I know that losing a loved one is not easy, but our faith in Gods promises can help us get through difficult times like this. Please know that God cares and will give you the strength that you need. At
2Kings 20:5, he says," I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. I am healing you..." I hope this brings you comfort and helps you cope with your loss.
Bob Bartlett
February 28, 2016
Dear Karen and Lew,
I'm so sad to hear of Billy's passing. I remember taking him fishing when he was young. My heart goes out to you and all your families. Love Bob Bartlett Jr.
Lynn Egen
February 26, 2016
Heart felt sorrow for the family of FF/EMT P Billy Lewis. I did not know Billy personally, but have several colleagues that did and they held Billy in highest regard as a fellow and friend. As a Ret FF/EMT from Sacramento City Fire, my condolences.
Greg & Mari Doyle
February 26, 2016
We remember Billy as , our son Josh's, good friend during the St. Isidore's school days. He was always a sweet kid. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you during this painful time. Josh sends his love also. May God's peace be with you.
Elizabeth Gleeson Preston
February 25, 2016
Lew and Karen
Billy was always so kind and quiet when he came into the credit union. I am lucky to have met him. You guys were and still so proud of him. Hugs and Prayers, God Speed
Trish O'Connell
February 24, 2016
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, I am so sorry for the loss of your son Billy; my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I work in administration at the Training Division of the Sacramento Fire Department; and while Billy was here on light duty before leaving the Department, we talked a lot and he confided quite a bit. I got to know him and be his friend. He had such a kind soul and it is with such a heavy heart that I say R.I.P Billy.
Christina & Mark Schneider
February 23, 2016
Dear Karen and Lew just know you are in our thoughts during this difficult time in your life.
Walnick Pierre-Lovis
February 23, 2016
February 22, 2016
Ahhhh Billy...I had the privilege to get to know you at WCPR while I also was a client where not only did we cry together, but we also laughed together. My love & prayers to all your friends and family.
Karen M.
Anchorage AK
Krystal DB
February 22, 2016
As a daughter of a fireman, I empathize with your family during this distressing time. Mr Lewis sounded like a brave individual, and I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort hear your heartbroken prayers during the difficult days and weeks ahead (Isiah 41:10).
Shawnie Bushnell
February 22, 2016
Dear Karen and Family,
I am sorry to hear about Billy's passing. I had the pleasure of teaching Billy during my Student Teaching at Live Oak High. He was always such a sweet young man and whenever I ran into him in town he was so excited about life. May your memories bring you comfort.
Joan Anderson
February 22, 2016
You have my condolences. My husband also suffers from PTSD after 22 yrs on the police force. Luckily, he found a great peer counselor in Chris Orton in Texas and a great psychologist in the Chicago area. I came very close to losing him several times and understand your pain. God bless your family. Joan Anderson, police wife.
Syn Henthorne
February 22, 2016
Reading this breaks my heart. I, too, have ghosts that haunt me from my years in LE. I pray one day no one will ever feel like they have to suffer alone. It is very hard to reach out, sometimes impossible, because it is very hard to understand. Bless you all, I pray you find comfort in one another. Thank you for sharing Billy's true story of courage beyond the badge.
Andrea
February 21, 2016
Billy was an amazing friend who was always there for me in high school ... To listen or be a shoulder to cry on a few times. He was always so kind and supportive and he had such a sweetness about him. My friends and I would often stop by the local grocery store, where he worked as a teenager, just to say hi to Billy on Friday of Saturday night. He was a friend to everyone and I don't know a person that ever said a bad thing about him. I'm so thankful to have bumped into him a few years back and we got to catch up for a few minutes and I got to give him a big hug. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, who he always spoke kindly of, as well as all of the other people in his life that will forever hold a special place in their heart for sweet Billy. It's hard to see that PTSD affects so many and that we've lost another wonderful person to such a difficult struggle. I'm sure he will continue to watch over and help people. ... He simply transferred to a new station. I hope he is finally able to feel the peace that he deserves and that his family will draw upon the wonderful and happy memories of Billy and that they will see how many lives he truly touched. His loss will bring awareness to a disorder that we are just beginning to understand and that may help many others in the future. He will remain a part of us, always. Peace.
steve sizelove
February 21, 2016
Dear Lew and Karen
WE were so sorry to have heard of Billy's passing and immediately felt very deep sorrow for your family. We wish to extend our deepest sympathy and our prays. Love Steve & Sandy
February 21, 2016
Lew and Karen, our thoughts and prayers are with you and entire family.
Kristy Pickering
February 21, 2016
I so enjoyed having Billy as a neighbor and will miss our conversations about dogs. As a mother who has lost a son I know how much this hurts. My heart goes out to his family. He was a good man, a kind man and it makes me so sad to know I will not see him again.
Dianne Malson
February 21, 2016
Dearest Lew & Karen. My deepest sympathies for the loss of your precious son Billy. Praying for comfort for your breaking hearts with happier memories. Dianne Malson (Wells Fargo co-worker from many many years ago)
Dani Rogers
February 21, 2016
Dearest Michelle and the Lewis Family,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your precious brother and son.
May you find peace in your wonderful memories of him and his life of service.
Sincerely,
Dannette Rogers
James Meuer
February 21, 2016
My condolences to your entire family. May you find peace and comfort during this time. I didn't know Billy personally but he's a brother First Responder.
JM-retired P/FF
Kathy Humphrey
February 21, 2016
I sure enjoyed working with Billy at Bi-County. He was a great partner and fun to work with. I'll always remember his cute smile. He was always one of my favorites! RIP my friend, til we meet again.
February 21, 2016
Sincere condolences to Billy's family, friends and colleagues from the Fire Service. From Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band, Ireland. RIP
Darleen Quinn
February 20, 2016
Condolences to his parents, relatives, families, and friends. May Billy rest in peace.
Terry Jackson
February 20, 2016
Although I didn't know Billy personally I do know he was a big help with the Fetching Ted group and an animal lover.. R.I.P. Billy and Thank You for your service as a first responder.. You will be missed..
Shirley and Joe Jimerson
February 20, 2016
Karen and Lew, There are no words that can ease your pain, we thank you for sharing Billy with us, he is part of our extended family and will always be in our hearts, love and prayers for your family.
Stephanie Bolton
February 20, 2016
Rest in peace Billy.
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