David Arnold Lewis' Obituary
David Arnold Lewis, 80, of Fort Myers, Florida, received his prize of being with Jesus on September 26, 2020, after a battle with Alzheimer’s and other health issues.
David was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Ruben and Anita (Ward) Lewis on April 6, 1940. When he was young, they moved to McIntosh County, Georgia, to be closer to family. He graduated from Darien High School and then attended Georgia Tech. He earned most of his tuition by being an incredible pool (billiards) player!
David loved the USA. He joined the United States Air Force on May 16, 1962, and proudly served his country. He was a “Missile Maintenance Mechanic,” and his primary focus was nuclear weaponry for B52s. He often remarked that he would go back and serve again if they would let him.
David loved helping others. After his discharge from the military, David relocated to Fort Myers where he took a job as a salesman in the insurance business. He later showed his skills as an entrepreneur, selling not only insurance, but also becoming a Real Estate Broker, a property owner/landlord and starting his own business, Lewis Properties.
David loved Jesus. His family often found him reading scripture or kneeling in prayer beside his bed. For over a decade, he served as a volunteer in the Care Facilities Ministry at First Assembly of God. He helped minister to the often forgotten residents by sitting with them, holding their hand, singing old hymns and telling them how much God truly loved them.
David loved his family. He was often the initiator of family gatherings whether in Fort Myers or back home in Georgia. He truly was the “glue” and worked hard to keep the family united. He never met a stranger, and almost everyone he met BECAME family.
David is preceded in death by his parents, Ruben and Anita J. Lewis; his older brothers, Don and Billy Lewis; his daughters, Angeline and Angie Lewis; his niece, Janet Lewis; his pals, Mike Mills and Jack Sutton and countless other close friends and family.
He is survived by his daughter, Anita; his beloved son-in-law, Palwesh; his brothers Tim (Barbara and Kevin, Derek and Adrian) Lewis and Mike (Nan and Mike, Jr., Josh and Gabe) Lewis; nephews Bill, Jr., Craig, Danny and Don; nieces Lori, Lorraine and Donna; his sisters-in-law Janette (Brian and Desiree, Curtis and Annette) Christensen, Beverly (Kevin and Bethany, Rebecca and Ben) Nobles and Shirley Lewis; his brothers-in-law Nelson (Korin and Diana, David and Chris) Amos and Keith (Linda and Christina, Jennifer, Stephanie and Nathan) Amos; multitudes of cousins and other family members, his best buddy, Billy Sain; and an incredibly spoiled granddog named Mozzie.
There will be a short graveside service at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens (1589 Colonial Blvd.) on Thursday, October 1, 2020, at 11 AM. There will also be a memorial service on Thursday, October 8, at 7 PM in the Colonial Chapel at First Assembly of God (4701 Summerlin Rd.). Both are open to anyone who would like to attend.
The family begs you to not send flowers. Instead, please be kind to others. Surprise an elderly neighbor with a bouquet and an offer to do her yard work. Anonymously help a single mom who you know is struggling. Take food to panhandlers. Pay for someone’s food/utilities/rent. In doing so, you will be more like David, who made it his goal to be like Jesus.
For further information or to leave condolences, please visit David's memorial webpage at www.fortmyersmemorial.com.
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