Walter Eugene Lewis
KNOXVILLE - Walter Eugene Lewis, born June 23, 1936, died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at age 87. He was preceded in death by his father, Thurmon Washington Lewis; mother, Margaret Elizabeth Davenport Lewis; brother, Phillip Thurmon Lewis; and sister, Elizabeth Ann Chadwick.
Gene Lewis met the love of his life, Dell Minor, in 8th grade. They married in Clarksville, TN, after graduating high school and then moved to Washington D.C., where they were both employed by the FBI. Soon after the birth of their first son, Michael Eugene, they returned to Clarksville, TN. Later, they welcomed their second son, Patrick Glenn. Gene earned his Bachelor’s from APSU while working as a deputy sheriff and later earned his Master’s as he taught at Tennessee Preparatory School. While making their home on the T.P.S. campus, the family adopted their daughter, Linda Annette. Gene retired from T.P.S. in 1998.
Gene enjoyed coaching, scouting, officiating TSSAA sports, being a chauffeur, installing security equipment, working on elevators, and volunteering to assist anyone in need. At a career day event, he was asked what his favorite job was out of all the jobs he’d had. He grinned and quickly replied, “Being a family man is my favorite.”
Gene was a member of Vultee Church of Christ in Nashville, TN for many years, where he served as a deacon and elder. The last two years he was a member of the Hardin Valley Church of Christ in Knoxville, TN. During the last days of his life, Gene’s thoughts included memories with his family, friends and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. His favorite scripture was Psalms 23.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dell Minor Lewis; son Michael Eugene Lewis (Karen Armstrong); son Patrick Glenn Lewis (Letitia Hunt); daughter Linda Lewis Lamar (Paul); grandchildren, Carissa Kay Lewis Powell (Logan); Andrew Michael Lewis (Louisa Kinzer); MacKenzie Armstrong Lewis; Daniel Hunter Lewis (Kelly Koger); Alyssa Nicole Lewis; Marlee Catherine Pendergrass Frazier (Milo); Jacob Michael Lamar (Katherine Curtis); Elayna Elizabeth Lamar; great grandchildren, Emmalyn Faith Powell; Andrew Armstrong Powell; Rose MacKenzie Powell; Gentry Michael Powell; Norah Brooks Lewis; Virginia Mae Lewis; Walden Andrew Lewis; Milo David Frazier II, as well as treasured cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at the Sherrill Hills Retirement Resort located at 271 Moss Grove Blvd, Knoxville, TN. Visitation will be from 2-3 PM followed by a service from 3-4 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to the Vultee Student Missions Endowment Fund at Lipscomb University. This fund is a resource for Lipscomb students who want to explore their faith and vocation on a Lipscomb Missions team. Make a gift at bit.ly/LipscombVulteeFund or mail a check to the Office of Advancement, Lipscomb University, One University Park Drive, Nashville TN 37204.