LEE EDWARD LEWIS, SR.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Heart Association.

Chief Master Sergeant Lee Edward Lewis, Sr. was called to his reward in the Lord on the morning of October 3, 2023, at age 82, surrounded by family at their home in San Antonio, TX. Chief Lewis was a decorated veteran whose career in the United States Air Force spanned 30 years. He also served in the Vietnam War and spent another 24 years in civil service at the Brook Army Medical Center at Ft. Sam Houston.

He was born Lee Edward McClain on September 8, 1941, in Pineville, LA to Deorsie McClain. He took the name Lewis from Grant Lewis who raised him along with his mother and legally changed it in December of 1964.

In 1958, Lee met and fell for Mary Bates who he married in 1961 after enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1960. Lee and Mae (Mary) began their lives together at Shepard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, TX. In December of 1962, they welcomed their first child, Lee Edward Lewis, Jr., followed by their daughter, Vickey Nanette Lewis in April of 1964. From there Lee led his young family to locations such as San Bernadino, CA, Frankfurt, Germany, Dover, DE, and Honolulu, HI in pursuit of his military career. Chief Lewis retired from the USAF in 1990, settling in San Antonio, TX. He was baptized into Christ by his son at the Dellcrest Church of Christ.

When Lee wasn’t working, he enjoyed fishing, boating, listening to music, traveling, spending time with his buddies, and watching classic movies in his man cave. He loved the idea of owning businesses and at one time owned catering, janitorial, and retail companies. He had a passion for helping others through civic engagement as a lifetime member of the Disabled Veterans Association, Blacks in Government, and a member of Key West Lodge No. 257, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas.

Lee was primarily known for his huge heart, hospitable nature, and the mentality that upon first meeting you were friends and after that you were family.

Lee’s greatest love; however, was his family. Anchored by his undying passion for his wife, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his greatest joy, and he was theirs.  

Lee was predeceased by his mother, Deorsie, his father, Grant, and his granddaughter, Taylor. He is survived by Mary Ann Lewis (Bates), his wife of 62 years; children Dr. Lee E. Lewis, Jr. (Michelle), and Vickey N. Lewis; uncle Joshua McClain (Edith); grandchildren, Brandon Young, Kennard Miller, Tigh Lewis, Brandi Lewis-Reed (Danielle Reed), Brittani Clarkson (Walter Clarkson, Jr.), Torri Lewis, Erika Benavides (Angel Benavides), Arielle Lindo, Jhory Lewis, Paris Lewis, and Andre Lewis; great-grandchildren, Alishia, Ay’Vien, Jakai, Jesslyn, Walter III, Mia, Brandon, Khalil, Kamiya, Luna, Jaylon, and Amari; and a host of loved ones, relatives and friends who he always referred to as his extended family.

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