William Henry "Bill" Lewis

William Henry "Bill" Lewis, 86, of Birmingham, AL passed away peacefully on March 6, 2024. Bill was born on November 18, 1937 in Greenwood, AL. He graduated from Glenn High School, earned an Associate degree in Fire Science and a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Service Management from Athens State College.

Bill served in the United States Navy from 1957-1959, spending ten months of that time aboard the USS Spiegel Grove. Following discharge, he remained in the Naval Reserves for a period of time. "Bo", as he was known in the Birmingham Fire Department, had a distinguished thirty-four year career, rising to the rank of Assistant Chief. Upon retiring from the Birmingham Fire Department, he served as the Fire Chief of Decatur, AL until his retirement in 2000.

Bill is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, JoAnn Stewart Lewis; his daughters, Kelli Walker and Sheri (Jeff) Culton; his grandchildren, Daniel (Jenna) Walker, Peyton Calhoun, Brooke (Michael) Walker, Brody Carreker and Christina (Karl) Burghart; his sister, Judi (Johnny) Heatherly, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his sons, Jay Scott Lewis (infant) and Stuart Lewis; his parents, Earl and Daisy Lewis and a brother, Robert "Bob" Lewis.

Bill was a devoted family man and truly enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He passed on his love for the outdoors, as they were growing up, through activities such as hiking, camping, kayaking, and even some dirt bike riding. He had a great sense of humor and was always up for some fun and games...as well as an occasional prank.

Bill had a love of music, particularly old gospel and classic country songs and his deep baritone voice could often be heard as he sang along. He was a member of various Baptist churches throughout his lifetime and was baptized at the age of eight at Caanan Baptist Church in Bessemer. He had a great love for animals; he understood the profound connection between humans and their furry companions. His last sidekick was his beloved dog, "Rocky".

A memorial service for Bill will be held on March 14, 2024 to honor and celebrate his life - a life well lived.

Bill Lewis was a strong man, admired by many and cherished by his family. Words cannot express how much he will be missed. We were blessed with this wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.