MAURICE E. LEWIS,
87, of Little Rock went to Heaven on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. He was loved and will be missed by many, none more so than his lovely bride of 68 years, Betty. Maurice was born Wednesday, March 22,
1933 one of 10 children born to the late Herbert L. and Opal Davis Lewis. Mr. Lewis was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Upon returning from Korea, he married Betty J. Conkle, his childhood sweetheart. One year later they started their family with the birth of their first of four children. After graduating from the College of the Ozarks, he taught high school history and coached basketball, while he enjoyed teaching history, he also loved interacting in competitive sports with the kids.
Maurice found his passion in his lifelong service to the hospitality industry, as he served as the Executive Director of the Louisiana Restaurant Association and the Arkansas Hospitality Association for over 35 years combined. In his career he worked closely with the governors, senators, and presidents of the United States, while lobbying for the tourism industry and more importantly with the Arkansas Veteran’s Association. Maurice served as Commander, Past Commander, holding the title of the longest serving member to date, as he served on the Arkansas Veterans Commission for 27 years.
Maurice loved his family above all else, from his wife, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his brothers and sisters. All could count on him for his support, love, guidance, and friendship. He was competitive whether it was playing dominos, golf, ping pong, horseshoes, or horse on the basketball court, it was the goal of all to beat him, (which was rare.) Maurice was a joker, fun-loving guy, and a stickler for details, both which served him well throughout his life. Maurice was musically talented, played the piano, could sing and he and his younger brother Roy (the only two that weren’t in the ministry) teased they were often called upon to lead in the silent prayer. He loved listening to Gospel music, especially his brothers. The Lewis Clan were known for their beautiful voices. Maurice Loved Life. Maurice also loved sweets, laughter, and the Razorbacks.
Maurice will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. There was nothing more important to him than his family and his country. Maurice will be reunited with his son, Maurice “Sonny” Lewis, siblings, Norman Lewis, Bob Lewis, Bill Lewis, Glenn Ray Lewis and Mary Koll, who preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Conkle Lewis; children, Beverly Rorie of California; Deborah (Charles) Brown of Hot Springs; Kevin Lewis of Hot Springs; grandchildren, Mark (Ella) Brown, Christopher (Regina) Lewis, Victoria (Michael) Graika, Elizabeth (Pat) Chanthanivong; great-grandchildren, Ashlyn Brown, Kolton and Kaylee Rogers, Tyler and Becket Lewis and Everly Chanthanivong. Other survivors include siblings, Paul (Ann) Lewis of New Mexico, Connie (Jack) Renfro of Texas, Roy (Ruth) Lewis of Sherwood, and Carolyn Bobo of Alexander; along with a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. followed by the service at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday February 13, 2021 at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home with Chaplin Becky Lewis officiating. Interment will follow at Liberty Memorial Park. Arrangements entrusted to Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, Ark. 72114. (501758-1170. Sign Mr. Lewis’ online guest register at www.smithfamilycares.com Please observe all Covid-19 masking and social distancing guidelines.