Bill Lewis arrived in Heaven on Monday, December 7th. He was reunited with his wife, Laura Jean, daughter Debra Young, great-granddaughter Lexie Garver, and several other family members, friends, and customers. He also has the opportunity to speak with the Apostle Paul which fulfills a lifelong goal for him. He is survived by four daughters: Linda Brooks and husband David of El Reno, Joann Stupansky and husband Rich of St. Petersburg, Florida, Debra’s husband Mark Young of Afton, Vickie Lewis and husband Gordon of Edmond, and Teri Huckaba and husband Kerry of Hurst, Texas; along with nine grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Bill was born on February 11, 1933 in Conway, Arkansas. He spent his formative years driving anything with a steering wheel and chasing his soon-to-be bride, Laura Jean. A love-struck teenage marriage developed into a 65-year union with five daughters and enough grandchildren to make their living room in North Edmond more than a little crowded at Christmas. As the sole man in a house of six ladies including a female dog, he was a nurturing father and ardent protector. From reminding Jean to “not speed with grandchildren in the car” to ensuring his daughters’ cars were in tiptop shape, He always put his responsibility as a father and husband above all else.
Bill’s devotion to his faith was unshaken regardless of any hurdle he faced. After being saved in 1958, he attended First Assembly of God in Edmond and served as a deacon for over 30 years. As an avid reader of his Bible, he brought the Word of God to many people; whether it was through casual conversations or one of the many Bible study classes he taught during his Christian life.
A self-taught businessman and mechanic, Bill operated a successful full-service gas station and garage, Bill Lewis Service Station, at 3rd and Broadway in Edmond for 34 years. From installing windshield wipers bought elsewhere to accepting lawnmowing and homemade pies as a payment for a set of tires, he served the residents of Edmond with hard work and integrity. He mentored many different young men, some of whom went on to open their own successful shops. In addition to his service to his customers, he was particularly supportive of Goldies Patio Grill where he could be found taking a quick lunch break a few times per week. During his final days before retirement, he reflected with loved ones on his fondest memories from his years at “the station” and expressed sincerest concerns over not being there for his customers when his doors closed. To continue to use his expertise to help others, he soon found employment selling tires at Sam’s Club; providing exceptional and honest service all while learning how to use a computer for the first time.
Whether he was fulfilling work for the Lord, his customers, or his family, Bill was a servant leader who used every skill, talent, and dollar at his disposal to positively impact those around him. He will be dearly missed!
A special thank you to the staff at Iris Memory Care for the two years of dedicated and empathetic care they gave to him.
The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 11 at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond. A service will be held at Matthews Funeral Home on Saturday, December 12 at 10:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery.