William Joseph "Bill" Lewis

William Joseph "Bill" Lewis, age 82, of St. Augustine, went to be with the Lord on Friday, Feb 27, 2026 at the Bailey Family Center for Caring with his family by his side. Bill was born to Joseph and Maxine Lewis on May 8, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky. He grew up in Louisville and then proudly served in the United States Air Force from February 13, 1963, until his honorable discharge on February 10, 1967. During his service, he bravely participated in the Vietnam War, earning the respect and admiration of his peers and family alike. Following his military service, he embarked on a career in the telecommunications industry. He excelled and experienced the favor of the Lord in his workplace. For a short period of time, while working on a project in downtown New York City, Bill lived separate from his family due to the high crime rate. Every morning while walking from his apartment to his workplace, he always prayed to the Lord for protection from danger. No one ever messed with Bill during this time. On the final day of this assignment, Bill entered the office building where he reported daily for duty. Two of the security guards wished him well but asked who the tall men were who always walked beside him as he walked to and from work? Bill smiled, thought for a second, and with tears in his eyes, he said "that must have been God's protective army of angels with me." Bill retired from BellSouth Mobility as a Field Engineer after many years of dedicated service.

Many will remember Bill's uncanny likeness to KFC's Colonel Sanders. He even applied to make it official, but that just wasn't part of God's plan, so he enjoyed appearing in costume at family and friend gatherings and bringing a smile to many faces.

Bill's faith was very important to him. He wanted everyone to know he loved his Lord and Savior. He was very creative sharing his faith with non-believers. He loved life and loved bringing a smile to everyone. He was charismatic, generous, funny, hardworking, and was a peace maker. He enjoyed fishing with family and friends, golfing, travel, and family get togethers. Bill loved all animals, but he especially loved golden retrievers and big sweet loving dogs.

Bill lived a life marked by dedication, service, and unwavering support for his family, his church and his community. He was a longtime member of Anastasia Baptist Church where he sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, assisted with the audio-visual ministry, and was a member of the facilities staff for many years.

The family would like to specifically thank the amazing caregivers who so kindly helped care for Bill in his final year of life on earth. They have all been and continue to be the greatest blessing with their gift of care, time, and friendship.

In reflecting on Bill's life, we remember a man who embodied generosity, kindness, and a remarkable spirit of perseverance. His smile, laughter and wisdom will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, but we know we will see him in Eternity!

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Lewis. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 35 years, Jeannie Brewer Lewis of Palatka and St Augustine, Florida; his sister, Sally Osborn (Mark); his three daughters: Heather Proffitt (Jesse), Janet Nichols, and Karen Alting; his two step-daughters: Sheila Chandler-Gaubatz (Dean) and Kelly Cates-Thornton (Jack); his three grandchildren:, Kennedy Nichols, Andrew Alting, and Caroline Alting; and finally his step grandchildren Jessica Cates, and Joshua Chandler (Mary) and his 7 month old great-grandchild, Julia Chandler, who ALL brought him immense joy in his later years. He took great pride in his role as a father and grandfather, and the bonds he formed with his entire family will forever be cherished.

A celebration of Bill's life with military honors will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Anastasia Baptist Church. A committal service and interment will be held at 9:30 am on Monday, March 9, 2026 at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida. For those who are inclined to send flowers, please consider a live plant, or donations in his memory can be made to: K9s for Warriors at https://k9sforwarriors.org

St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.