William Russell "Bill" Lewis, Jr.

Celebrations of Life for a life well lived and a man deeply loved, William Russell Lewis, Jr., 85, of Lufkin, formerly of Nacogdoches, will be held Friday, June 2, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Nacogdoches, Texas, followed by a service in the PineCrest Retirement Community Chapel in Lufkin at 2:00 p.m.

William "Bill" Russell Lewis passed peacefully from this life to the next at 7:47 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at PineCrest Retirement Community in Lufkin, Texas.

Bill Lewis, the devoted son of William Russell Lewis and Clara (Scheick) Lewis, was born February 22, 1932 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Bill married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth "Bette" Ann Leininger, in 1950 and they remained happily married for 67 years. Bill and Bette have three children: Dolores, William, and James.

Bill began what would be his life's career in 1950 as a Steno for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad; thirty-five years later he retired, at the age of 54, from CSX as Regional Sales Manager. During his career in sales and management, Bill and Bette made their home in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Kansas, Missouri, Massachusetts, and Maryland. After retirement in 1986, Bill and Bette loved traveling the country in their 5th wheel. For 25 years, they lived in less than 400 square feet, and made many wonderful friends and memories, visiting all 50 states. They also traveled the world visiting China, Europe, Russia, Australia, and South America. In 2010 they moved into a home in Nacogdoches to be near family.

Some of Bill's many pastimes over the years were boating with Bette and their kids on Lake Michigan, working on cars with his sons, riding motorcycles with his wife and kids, playing golf, eating ice cream (he had an impressive reputation in this department), taking an afternoon nap, and spending time with his family and many friends.

Bill was a loving family man who made friends wherever he went. We will remember his smile, his warmth, his energy, and his love for life, family, and friends. He worked very hard all his life and he made a difference in the lives of many. Bill was an active member of his church since childhood, beginning with serving as an acolyte as a young boy to singing in the choir, attending Sunday School, and serving on many boards and committees. Bill was a Master Mason in good standing for more than 50 years, and a member of the Milam Masonic Lodge #2 A.F. & A.M. of Nacogdoches. He sang with the Heart to Heart Chorus of Nacogdoches and volunteered with the Salvation Army.

Bill is survived by his wife, Bette; daughter, Dolores Brock and husband Gary of Florence, Oregon; son, Duke Lewis and wife Linda of Mount Enterprise; son, Jim Lewis and wife Terry of Winnsboro, Texas; and his only grandchild, granddaughter, Jennifer Brannan and husband Allan of Weatherford, Texas.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his great-grandson, Aaron Lewis Brannan, who was taken from this life suddenly three years ago - one of the saddest days of Bill's life.

We ask that, in lieu of flowers, you make a contribution to the charity of your choice in Bill's name, to First United Methodist Church, 201 E. Hospital Street, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961, or to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com .

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.