Mr. Walter Lee Lewis

Walter Lee Lewis, the son of William Lee and Chaney Henry Gill, was born on December 25, 1932, in Okolona, Mississippi. This small rural community is where he would spend his early childhood years.
An attack on Walter's father would end in an act of self-defense which forced the family to flee Mississippi to Southeast Missouri. In an effort to keep everyone safe, the family name would be changed to Lewis.
As an adolescent, Walter Lee worked in the cotton fields in Mississippi county and surrounding areas.
At a Labor Day carnival in Charleston, Walter Lee met the love of his life, Mary Alice Lockett. This meeting has been described as "love at first sight." On June 30, 1956, marked the beginning of sixty-six and a half years of marriage happiness, and undying love shared with Mary Alice Lewis.
Walter Lee and Mary Alice started their lives together in a small rural community of Deventer, MO. They have ten children, five boys and five girls, here today to cherish his life and memories. Walter Lee leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary Alice, and long legacy of love. In addition, his children: Walter Charnell Lewis, Brenda F. (Tony) Duncan, Ronald R. (Kathy) Lewis, Bobby R. Lewis, Shay L. (Kay) Lewis, Mirdona K. Lewis, Linda J. Lewis, Angela G.(David) Hammer, Anthony D. Lewis, and Venita L. Lewis Gibson. Also sharing his legacy are twenty-five grandchildren, thirty-eight great-grandchildren, twelve great-great grandchildren. Walter Lee did not have a favorite child. He loved all of his children and grandchildren completely, equally, and unconditionally.
Preceding Walter in death are both of his parents, William and Chaney Gill, his infant son, William Dennis Lewis, his grandsons Ronnie L. Riggens Jr, Marcus E. Moss, and Jamarquay N. Clemons, his brother, Harry Lee Lewis, and his special aunt, Ms. Mattie B. Denson.
As a provider, Walter held many jobs and titles. He worked in agriculture, auto repair, security, and owned a power washing company. But his passion was food service. Walter was the general manager of two Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants. He also owned a fast-food restaurant, Walt's Deli, in Cairo, IL.
As a pillar of the community of Charleston, he was asked to consider running for mayor as well as other offices. He declined these positions. Rather than pursuing a political career, Walter and his wife, Mary Alice, began studying the Bible together with J.C. and Margie Jackson. As a couple, both Walter Lee and Mary Alice were baptized in November of 1970, becoming members of the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. Together they volunteered many hours of service, and gave in home Bible studies throughout Charleston, East Prairie, and surrounding rural communities.
For years, Brother Lewis served the Christian congregation as an elder, overseer of the Theocratic Ministry School, as well as hosting and conducting the congregation weekly Bible study in his own home.
Walter Lee Lewis was known for his big, infectious laugh, a warm heart, his stern sense of discipline, being fun to be around, very sociable, and his bright intelligence. Brother Lewis was a student of the Bible as well as a teacher. He often spoke about God's word to any person he met. Walter was a very loving, and devoted father and grandfather to his large family. Most important of all, he taught his loved ones to develop a strong relationship with Jehovah God. Other than serving Jehovah God, the Almighty Creator of the Universe, the dearest person to his heart was without any doubt his beloved wife, Mary Alice Lewis.
Walter Lee Lewis was our patriarch, a provider, a leader, an elder statesman, and an exemplary family man. We honor a lifetime of memories and love he gave us. The lessons he shared with so many shall carry on. After nearly 90 years, the life of Walter Lee Lewis was paused on December 12, 2022. He was surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, and spiritual family.
Brother Lewis shared his belief in God's promise as stated at Acts 24:15. We know that in God's New World, earthly paradise, his life shall be continued.
Memorial service will be held to honor the life of Brother Walter Lee Lewis on December 31, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Service will take place at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses located at 3511 Washington Ave, Cairo, IL. Brother Jack Ramalho to officiate. Memorial service will also be available via ZOOM. Zoom ID: 644 735 610 Password: 031865
McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston, MO is in charge of arrangements.
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