Wilber Eugene Lewis

"Hey Google," tell us about Wilber E. “Gene” Lewis. He began his journey in Tennessee on October 23, 1945. He was born to Merritt and Laquel Lewis.

He accepted Christ at an early age and was a lifelong member of Woodlawn Elizabeth Baptist Church, serving in many roles, including male chorus, deacon, board member, Sunday school teacher and contractor, just to name a few. He was very proud of his church and he often told you about its rich history.

He graduated from Burt High School in 1963 and received his bachelor's from Austin Peay State University in 1990.

On June 23rd, 1968, he was united in holy matrimony with the love of his life, Rachel Blake, and together they had three children.

He spent 22 years in the military, after which he retired to Clarksville, TN. He wasn't finished yet; he went to work for Community Corrections, and after over 20 years of service, he retired. You would think that was it; he later became a business owner with his brothers.

After retirement, he enjoyed working with the Montgomery County Veterans Treatment Court as an evaluator for over five years of dedicated service.

Ok, Google, what was he most proud of? He was proud of his family, including his wife, Rachel, whom he had been married to for over 55 years. His children are Gene II, Felicia, and Winston. His grandchildren are Ashlee, Wil, Winston II, Treyvis and Alijah. Hey Google, is this everybody? No, there is one more, Steve Glenn, who affectionately called him Uncle/Daddy. If you know, then you know.

Also, we cannot forget about the beloved "Pit Crew," which he helped forge into his little club where membership was exclusive.

The love he had for his entire family was broader than can be captured in words: his brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews. His love and protection for his sisters-in-law were unmatched; he always felt the need to protect them.He leaves precious memories to be cherished by his wife, Rachel Lewis; son Gene II, Clarksville; daughter Felicia, Memphis; son Winston (Amanda), Orlando, FL; grandchildren: Ashlee, Wil, Winston II, Treyvis and Alijah; sisters and brothers: Shirley Simpson, Joseph (Gloria) Lewis, Robert (Rita) Lewis, Patricia Lewis, Loretta Lewis, Paulette Lewis, Orville(Carol) Lewis and Juanita (Rick) Smith, and a host of nephews and nieces, great nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. 

Hey Google, did they miss anything about Gene? No, just remember that he lived his life like his favorite quote: “OFF THE HOOK.”