Bobby Gene Lewis, Sr

REFLECTIONS

Psalm 37:23: The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted in his way

Bobby Gene Lewis Sr., age 83 of Rockport, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.  Bobby was born on November 22, 1938, to Olivia Sophia Tippins in Berclair, Texas.

Bobby began schooling in Beeville at Lott-Canada School, an all-Black school. While there, he met the love of his life, Alice Faye Kellough.  They were just teenagers, but it was an unbreakable bond.  On August 26, 1954, Bobby and Alice united in a marriage God blessed for over 60 years before the Lord called Alice home on November 27, 2014.  To this union was born seven children:  six girls and one boy.

Bobby was well-known as a hardworking man, who believed in taking care of his family.  As a teenager, Bobby began as a dishwasher at Cunningham’s Restaurant.  The head chef, “Mr. Charlie,” took Bobby under his wings and trained him to cook.  Bobby became such a talented cook that in 1967 he transferred to the Beaumont restaurant to run the kitchen as head chef. In 1969, Bobby moved his family to Rockport, Texas, and successfully turned around another Cunningham’s Restaurant, where he remained until the business sold in 1970.

Bobby then worked at Rockport’s Sea Gun Resort in the maintenance department.  On the side, he began his own small company, cleaning and dressing fish (with his family literally at his side), as well as deer, hogs, and ducks.

After Sea Gun sold its cottages to individuals, Bobby began working at Aransas County ISD, where he served for 20 years as the Grounds Foreman until he retired.  Bobby, a consummate hard worker, started Lewis Janitorial, where he worked long hours cleaning commercial buildings each day after leaving work at school and continued after he retired.  He also somehow managed to find time to mow lawns in and around the Rockport area.

Bobby had a lifelong passion for playing and coaching softball.  He was a talented pitcher and a power hitter for numerous teams.  He continued playing well into his senior years, competing in the Senior Games throughout the country.  When he wasn’t playing, he was coaching girls/young women’s softball teams.  His favorite team, the “Disco Ladies,” which was composed of his daughters, his sister, and other close family friends, once took 3rd place in the state tournament.

Bobby was an all-around loving and generous person.  He would give you the shirt off his back, and he always did it with a smile.  He was a gentle sensitive soul, who selflessly helped countless family and friends.  He believed that word was your bond.  If he said he would do something, no need to worry. He would do it, do it well, and do it on time.  By the same token, if you said you would do something, he expected nothing less from you. Although he only went to church on certain occasions, he knew God for himself and never ceased praying each night.

Bobby is preceded in death by his mother, Olivia Sophia Tippins; his loving wife, Alice Faye Lewis; son, Bobby Lewis Jr.; brother, Oliver Tolliver; his beloved dogs, Cujo and Prissy Lewis, and his/someone’s cat who he called “Miss Kitty.”

Bobby leaves behind six loving daughters, Frieda Jean Lewis, Barbara (Frank) Ross, Helena (Jolly) Lewis, Mary Theresa Lewis, Brenda (Earl) Foreman, Liquita Lewis Thompson; his sister (who he raised as a daughter), Linda Heard Lewis; 26 grandchildren, 71 great-grandchildren; 24 great-great grandchildren; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

--To God Be the Glory for the Life of Bobby Gene Lewis, Sr.

Visitation will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, followed by funeral services at 11 am, at Faith Mission Church of God in Christ, 514 N. Rife, Aransas Pass, Texas. Interment at Rockport Cemetery, Rockport, Texas.

Repast at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 213 Gagon St., Rockport, Texas.

Condolences may be left at www.trevinofuneralhome.net

FAMILY ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The family of Bobby Gene Lewis, Sr. gratefully acknowledges the many forms of comforting expressions you have shown during our time of bereavement.

--The Lewis Family