Mr. Robert E. Lewis

Robert Eugene Lewis, Sr., affectionately known as "Punkin" to his family, was born on November 21, 1949, in Collinsville, MS, to the late Mr. James Robert Lewis and Mrs. Emma Virginia McDonald Lewis. At an early age, Robert confessed his faith in Christ and united with the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Meridian, MS. He later united with the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Collinsville, MS, where he served faithfully as a Deacon. Robert received his academic education from the Lauderdale County and the Meridian Public School Districts. After graduating Middleton Attendance Center in 1969, he served his country proudly in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Nuremberg, Germany, and later in Augusta, GA. He medically retired from the military at the rank of Sergeant. After retiring from the US Army, Robert attended Meridian Junior College where he received a degree in Radiology Technology. This led him to become the first African-American X-Ray Technologist employed at Rush Hospital in Meridian, MS. He later worked at the United States Postal Service where he retired after many years. Robert had a deep passion for basketball, which started at an early age and continued throughout his lifetime. Whenever he stepped onto the basketball court, it was all "business". Otherwise, he was loving, kind, and generous. While at Meridian Junior College, Robert was a member of the men's basketball team and helped his team win many basketball games. His first love was God, then family (especially his grandkids), church, basket-ball, and the University of Alabama football. He never met a stranger, and he willingly gave so much of himself to so many. In fact, Robert (along with his wife Molly) helped shape the lives of two of his nephews, JaMarquis and DeAndrae Odom. Proverbs 18:22 states, "When a man finds a wife, he has found a treasure," and that's exactly what Robert found when on December 23, 1972, he united in holy matrimony to his forever love, Molly Lue Grace. To this union, two children were born, Natasha Lewis and Robert Lewis, Jr. On Friday, May 24, 2024, God honorably discharged Robert E. Lewis, Sr. from his earthly duties. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mrs. Oreatha Lewis Spencer; two brothers, Mr. Evans James Lewis and Mr. Ralph Lewis; father-in-law, R.C. Odom; mother-in-law, Bonnie Odom; and brother-in-law, Dennis Odom. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 51 years, Molly; daughter, Natasha of Mobile, AL; son, Robert Jr. of Tuscaloosa, AL, grandchildren, Ori-enne and Omarr Lewis of Tuscaloosa AL; sister, Casandra (Lionel) Sloan of Meridian, MS; brother, Billy Lewis of Meridian, MS; sisters-in-law, Lee Ann Odom of Meridian, MS, and Debbie Odom of Atlanta, GA; brothers-in-law, James Odom of Atlanta, GA, and David Odom of Lauderdale County, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Mr. Robert E. Lewis

November 21, 1949 - May 24, 2024