Carl Ray Lewis Sr.'s Obituary
Carl Ray Lewis, Sr., aged 76, finished his battle with pancreatic cancer on October 18, 2023 at the Arkansas State Veterans Home in Fayetteville, Arkansas. His life journey began on August 24, 1947, when he was born in Kansas City, Kansas, to parents Eugene Lewis and Betty (Keele) Reynolds. He graduated from Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, KS. Then, he met and married Esther (Shoesmith) Lewis while attending Ottawa University in Kansas. Their marriage took them all over the Midwest before they settled in Memphis, TN. They shared 33 years together, including the blessing of raising four children together, before divorcing, but remaining friends.
His pursuit of excellence led Carl to earn additional degrees from Pittsburg State and Wichita State, focusing on business and administration. Always working hard to support his family, Carl was employed in various jobs over the years - sometimes up to three or four at a time. He was a teacher, a coach, a jewelry salesman, a jewelry manager, a newspaper carrier, a business school lecturer, an IRS employee, and finally, a mail carrier for the United States Post Office. Carl served his nation in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and later through the Air National Guard. Carl's zest for life was evident in the numerous hobbies he excelled at, which included table tennis, bowling, basketball, softball, karaoke, and playing cards. He was known for his exceptional salesmanship skills and his role as a coach to his children’s teams. In fact, sports held a special place in Carl's heart as he was an ardent supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and the University of Kansas Jayhawks.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Lewis and Betty Reynolds; brother, William Lewis; and sister, Sharon (Reynolds) Green. He is survived by his children, Carl Lewis, Jr. and wife Angie, Christine Lewis, Daniel Lewis and wife Windi, and Michael Lewis and wife Anya; twelve grandchildren, David Lewis and wife Paige, Elizabeth (Lewis) Francis and husband Josh, Jacob Lewis, Natalee Lewis, Nicholas Lewis, Rebekah Lewis, Layton Lewis, Evan Lewis, Lydia Lewis, Abigail Lewis, Ethan Lewis, Matthew Lewis, and one grandchild on the way; great grandchild, Emery Lewis; former wife and mother to his children, Esther Lewis; sisters, Millie (Lewis) Peacock, and Kathleen (Reynolds) Pennington; and many cousins.
The family will hold a private memorial service. There will be a private interment at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com.
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