Billy Sunday Lewis

Billy Sunday Lewis (96) was born April 1, 1928 to George Newt Lewis and Mollie Odessa Hale Lewis at their rural home in Franklin Parish, Louisiana. His father, George was scheduled to go to a tent revival held by the professional baseball player who became an evangelist, Billy Sunday. Mollie told George he had to name the baby before he could leave for the revival. George said “name that boy Billy Sunday and let’s go!” 

Billy graduated from Baskin High School. He worked various jobs, and then joined the Air Force and spent a year in Korea during the Korean War. He was a communications specialist while in the military. In 1949 he joined South Central Bell Telephone Company in Delhi, La then later transferred to Monroe, LA. He retired from South Central Bell in 1986 with 36 years and 8 months of service. 

While working in Delhi he met Maurice Nelson and married her in 1955. Billy and Maurice had 2 children, Alice Lynnette and Gregory Neal. Billy is a member of North Monroe Baptist Church and attended regularly until he moved to Texas to live with his daughter, Alice. He was a lifetime member of the Robert W. Cretney Masonic Lodge. Billy was an active member of the Knapp Senior Center in Pearland, Texas. He enjoyed playing dominoes and bingo, and made many friends at the Center particularly Gerald Hodges, his domino buddy. Billy enjoyed vegetable gardening, fishing for crappie, hunting deer and woodworking. After his retirement he and Maurice traveled the country with a travel group and their senior church group. 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Maurice Nelson Lewis and his son, Gregory Neal Lewis, his parents, George Newt and Mollie Odessa Lewis and his brother , Dorsey Lewis and sisters, Pauline Thompson, Furn Burris, Georgia Nell Tuberville and Annie Mae Cruz. He is survived by his daughter, Alice Lynnette Lewis and host of nieces and nephews. He also considers Mike and Martha Smith (Alice’s neighbors) his adopted daughter and son-in-law. 

A special thanks to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Home Based Primary Care team, the Palliative Care and Hematology departments, Senior Helpers Central Houston caregivers and Aserene Healthcare for all of the care and support this past year. 

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 10:00 at the Mulhearn Chapel Mausoleum in Monroe, LA.

Interment will be at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude’s, North Monroe Baptist Church or charity of your choice.