Billy Gordon Lewis

Billy Gordon "Bill" Lewis, Jr., age 81, of Kingsland, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025. Born on December 22, 1943, in Dallas, Texas, Bill was known for his quick wit, courageous spirit, and intelligent humor that brought laughter to everyone around him.
Bill's early life was marked by dedication and service. After graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Army Security Agency, serving as a Specialist 5 from 1962 to 1965. During his time at Fort Hood and in Vietnam, Bill played a crucial role in communications and signals intelligence. His contributions during this period were not just a testament to his patriotism but also to his tenacity and skill.
Following his military service, Bill channeled his industrious spirit into entrepreneurship. He established a successful construction company in Kingsland, Texas. His reputation for building quality homes and boat docks became well-known in the Kingsland and Llano areas. Bill's passion for craftsmanship was matched only by his love for animals and his endearing sense of humor.
Bill was a man of many interests and talents. He was a renowned educator of the unusual, teaching about the intricacies of Sabertooth Grasshoppers and Petrified Dinosaur Shit with a gleam in his eye, reflecting his ever-present playful nature. Beyond his professional and educational pursuits, Bill was the consummate prankster. He once convinced a neighborhood child that feeding a chocolate bar to a goat would result in chocolate milk, and he famously misled his daughter Tammy about the true identity of Quasimodo as the Japanese Santa Claus.
His commitment to his fellow veterans was unwavering. Bill volunteered at the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts. He proudly held the commander position for 12 years at the VFW, selling fireworks during holidays to support their causes. His dedication to these organizations demonstrated his deep respect for those who served.
Bill's love for his family was profound and was evident in every aspect of his life. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anna Lewis; his parents, Billy G. Lewis, Sr, and Odell West Lewis; his sister Sylvia Palmer; and his cherished grandchildren, Holly and Anne Chesmore and Ian Lewis. He is survived by his adoring siblings, Kaylyn Lewis and Eva Gray; his loving children, Tammy Fisher, Billy G. Lewis III, Steven Chesmore, LeAnn Rasnic, Jaime Crawford, Kendra Lewis, Meggan Lewis, Chris Lewis, Brennan Sheppard, and Hunter Lewis; as well as his 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy to his life.
His service to our nation marked his life forever. It took Dad a long time to speak about his years in Vietnam, and we know there are plenty of experiences he never told. His exposure to Agent Orange led to his many health issues. He was diagnosed as terminally ill in 1993, to which he replied, "We're all terminal, aren't we?" with a sly grin. That humor, that takes on life itself, summed up his character in a nutshell. Anyone who knew him understands. Dad was fast with a joke. A champion storyteller, Dad would hold an audience in the palm of his hand, waiting for the punchline. We heard them all countless times, but he had a way that made them fresh again and again. Like the time he told our neighbor kids to feed their goats Hershey bars to get chocolate milk. Or the time he tried buffing his truck with an orbital sander and ripped out all his armpit hair. We can only imagine the Heavenly audience he has surrounding him now, while he holds court in his element, and they laugh and laugh.
Bill's legacy of laughter and love will live on through his family and the countless stories they share. His favorite sayings, "The key to a long life is to just laugh" and "I gotta shake the dew off the lily," will continue to echo in the hearts of those who knew him. His family extends heartfelt gratitude to Enhabit Home Health and Hospice, and Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Marble Falls, Texas, for their compassionate care during his final days.
Bill will receive a military service, with honors, at a later date. Per his wishes, his remains will be interred at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery with his grandson, Ian. In lieu of flowers, contributions to your favorite children's or veterans' charity in Dad's name are appreciated.
Billy G. Lewis, Jr. - the man, the myth, the Legend - our Dad - passed peacefully from this Earth on March 8, 2025. He was a soldier, a carpenter, a business owner, VFW Post Commander, a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His light and legacy will shine on through the generations, and his memory will be cherished forever.