Billy Dean Lewis

Billy Dean Lewis

February 06, 1936 - February 21, 2016

Billy Dean Lewis

February 06, 1936 - February 21, 2016

Obituary

Billy Dean Lewis

Strong Determined Integrity Inspirational Wisdom
Reliable Analytical Motivational Mentor Visionary

Billy, or Grand D, as he was known to his grandchildren, was a loving husband and father. He was born on February 6, 1936 in Freestone County, Texas. He was one of 12 children born to Ottis Lewis Sr. and Ever Jones-Lewis, who are both waiting for him in Heaven.

After graduating from Butler High School in Oakwood, Texas, Billy joined the United States Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict. During this time he met the love of his life, Rachael Ann Norton. While they were both serving our country, they married on January 31, 1958.

Once married, Billy & Rachael moved to California where their oldest daughter, Rochelle was born. A few years later, Michelle was born in Dallas, Texas. Billy & Rachael moved back to California permanently making it their home.

Billy began working in a machine shop where he was able to hone his analytical skills. The chance to work at Hughes Aircraft came his way and he took full advantage of the opportunity. Billy earned an AA degree from Los Angeles Southwest College where he was on the Dean’s list every semester. He transferred to California State University, Dominguez Hills and earned a BA in Business Administration. These degrees allowed him to be promoted to a Quality Control Supervisor and later a Manager of Quality control with Raytheon, a position he held until he retired in 1991.

Billy loved jazz music and you would often hear it playing throughout the house. He had a love of photography and spent the latter part of his life traveling locally taking pictures. As his grandchildren grew, he was often in the background of their events capturing them enjoying their lives. He was most fond of spending time with family and friends telling stories and offering anecdotes.

In between his bouts with cancer, Billy was helping others. If family and friends needed some assistance or advice, Billy would graciously open his doors to help. When his oldest daughter, Rochelle, suffered an aneurysm in April 2015, Billy spent most of his time assisting with her rehabilitation. The countless hours he spent at her bedside were not in vain. Rochelle’s recovery is steadily making progress and she will be forever grateful for what her Dad did for her.

After a full and complete life, Billy passed away peacefully on February 21, 2016. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; and brothers, Lloyd Edwin Lewis and Ottis Lewis, Jr.

He will be remembered by his wife, Rachael; daughters Rochelle Lewis-Lavin & Michelle Mahoney; grandchildren, Melissa, William, Donald, Jr. and Ryan; beloved Son-in-law Donald Mahoney; and adopted son Arnold Hackett. His memory will also be cherished by his sisters, Ever Dee Batee, Erma Jean Jordan, and Baby Raye Lewis; his brothers Clifton Calvin Lewis Sr., Joseph Henry Lewis, and Harvey Dean Lewis; two aunts, Josephine Jones-Daniels and Pocahontas Jones-Barnett; and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

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4 responses to Billy Dean Lewis

  1. Lisa E Lewis says:

    Uncle Billy was a warm caring family guy. He was there when me and my Dad needed him the most. He has been there for his brothers and sisters. I am so honored that my Mother blessed Uncle Billy and Aunt Rachel as my Godparents 49 years ago. You will be truly missed but not forgotten. Fly high Uncle say Hi to Mom and Dad

  2. Racheal and Rochelle : As we think about the sadness that comes from the death of a loved one, remember that God will help you trust and cling closely to Him, and show His goodness toy and your family.

    God shares in your sorrow. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to our cry, we who share in your loss.

    Let me share with you and your family that in times like these God will wipe every tear from your eyes and from our heart, hope and peace are found in Jesus.
    Much Love,
    Grancy& Tommie

    When Peace, like a river, attendant my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well, with my soul.

    Our hope and peace are found in Jesus.

  3. Racheal
    This is Woodrow Manning words cannot express the sadness in my heart for my dear friend and classmate. I know he is in a better place with no more pain just remember that God will take care of you and the family.

    Woodrow Manning
    1321 Greenbriar Lane
    Lancaster, Texas 75146
    214-808-9632

  4. Dear Rachel and Family our prayers are with you all ,for we know what it is to say our final goodby,s to someone so .dear to us ! Michael & Ja’nice Norton.

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