Charles Jay "Chuck" Lewis

1948 - 2024

Chuck Lewis, a visionary entrepreneur and beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away on June 21, 2024, at the age of 75, following a courageous battle with a Glioblastoma. He was surrounded by his loving family in his home in Austin, Texas.

Chuck was born on November 3, 1948, in Dallas, Texas, where he spent his childhood. He attended Benjamin Franklin Middle School, where he was a cheerleader, attended Hillcrest High and continued on to UT Austin, fostering friendships that have lasted his lifetime.

At UT, Chuck joined the Sammy Fraternity, remaining an active member throughout his college tenure playing intramural softball and playing a lot of poker. To support his education, he worked at the UT computer center, where his fascination with technology began. Chuck graduated with both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Business from UT, marking the start of a remarkable career that blended his business acumen with his passion for technology.

Chuck moved to NYC in the 1990's, where founded Financial Technologies Inc. (FTI), driven by his innovative Data Model that revolutionized banking efficiency. His invention received a patent and remains a cornerstone in the banking industry today. After relocating back to Austin, Chuck founded MyVest, a financial securities company based in San Francisco. He commuted tirelessly between Austin and San Francisco, dedicated to nurturing MyVest into a thriving enterprise while forging enduring friendships along the way.

Amidst his professional accomplishments, Chuck's greatest joy was his family. In NYC, he met Lauren Graye, and developed a deep and enduring partnership spanning 38 years. Together, they raised their beloved children, Jessie Hope (born 1989) and Jake Austin (born 1992), whom Chuck cherished above all else. He took immense pride in their accomplishments and treasured every moment spent with them.

Chuck had a profound love for art, with a particular admiration for the Bauhaus Movement, which he avidly studied and collected. He played guitar and wrote some original songs. He sang his kids to sleep each night when they were young in place of the typical bedtime story. He loved the Longhorns and wore his burnt orange with pride. He had a wonderful playful goofy side we adored. He was quick witted and a great storyteller. He loved astronomy, looking at the stars and kite flying with his kids. He is well known and endeared for his handing out of dog treats to every dog in the neighborhood as he took his morning walks and his doling out of dollar bills at traffic lights to those in need. He was up for axe throwing, curling lessons, mini golf, batting cages, go carts, bowling and just about anything you suggested. He was an avid tennis player and downhill skier. He loved food and would not shy away from anything new (except cooking). He was warm, and sensitive, caring and loving.

Chuck Jay Lewis leaves behind a legacy of innovation, integrity, and profound love for his family and life. He will be dearly missed by his wife Lauren, his children Jessie and Jake, extended family to include Lauren's mother Mildred, brothers Glen and Bruce and their wives Faye and Susan and countless friends and colleagues whose lives he touched with his warmth and wisdom.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the non-profit Power for Parkinson's, where Lauren works and Chuck was very proud to support, Hospice Austin, who made his last journey as comfortable as possible, or a charity of your choice.

Chuck's indomitable spirit and enduring legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. May his memory be a blessing, knowing he made a lasting impact on his community and beyond.

A Funeral Service and Reception will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at Congregation Beth Israel, 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin, TX 78756.