Billy Joe Lewter

Billy Joe Lewter, 86, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2021. He was born on September 29, 1935 and spent his early childhood in the Athens area before his family moved to Fayetteville, TN. He married Libby, his wife of 60 years, shortly after returning from his service in the United States Air Force. Bill and Libby moved to Knoxville, TN where he pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Tennessee. Upon his graduation they moved to Orlando, FL for a short time and then relocated to the Huntsville area where he has lived ever since.

After moving to Huntsville, Bill went to work for NASA and stayed there until his retirement in 1997. He was devoted to his family and serving the community. Bill had a heart for the Lord and served as a deacon and later on, as an elder, at the Memorial Parkway/Chase Park church of Christ. In addition, he served on the Board of Directors at Madison Academy. Bill cherished all of his friends that he made through the church and the school. Later in life, he spent a great deal of time taking care of and spoiling his grandchildren while managing to work in a few rounds of golf.

Bill remained very close to his Limestone County cousins throughout his life. Kenneth (Ann) Lewter, Ann (Gary) Hargrove, and Jayne (Buddy) South, were committed to remaining close and would make sure to meet monthly for lunch in order to keep up with each other.

Finally, after Libby’s death in 2018, Bill was fortunate enough to find love again and married Dorothy “Dot” Kelley in August of 2019. He enjoyed spending time with Dot and was thrilled with the addition of his new children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to his family.

Bill was preceded in death by Libby, his father, Edgar Lewter, and his mother, Beuna Raby.

He is survived by Dot; brother, Mike Raby; son, Chris (Kerry) Lewter; grandchildren, Conner (Morgan) Lewter and Annie Lewter; scheduled to arrive in the Spring, his great granddaughter, Lucy Elizabeth; niece, Kristy (Troy) Doud; and nephew, Ryan (Melissa) Raby.

In addition, Bill is survived by stepdaughter Teri (Tim) Bennett; stepson Troy (Nina) Massey; stepson Chuck (Joy) Kelley; step-grandchildren Blake (Gina) Bennett, Brock (Brittney) Bennett, Kaela Massey, Cole Massey; and step-greatgrandchild Cooper Bennett.

A memorial service will be held on November 16, 2021 at Valhalla Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 11:00-1:00 p.m. with the service immediately following at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to Madison Academy or Chase Park church of Christ building fund.