Julius Baruti Lewis

Julius Baruti Lewis was called home on Monday January 10, 2022 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Born on September 17th, 1980 to Deborah Ann Williams and the late Julius Lewis as the first of three children born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Julius attended Kennedy Middle School and Springfield Central High School where he played football as a celebrated Defensive End. He continued his studies at Wake Tech Community College and obtained his Associates of Applied Science in HVAC Technology. Julius took pride in his role at Alexander Services Heating, Air, Electrical & Plumbing located in Holly Springs, NC where he served for five years as a Lead HVAC Technician and Install Trainer. Dedicated to his work and committed to his colleagues, Julius sought to exceed customer expectations - no matter the size of the project. He brought joy and passion to all of his endeavors.

Julius is survived by Tanesha Davis Lewis, his high school sweetheart and wife of 17 years. Julius and Tanesha recently celebrated their 25 year anniversary on December 27, 2021. His greatest joy in life was raising their four children, Breanna Inez Lewis (18), Justine Iman Lewis (14), and twin boys Lawrence Isaiah Lewis (11) and Larenz Issac Lewis (11). Precious family moments included walks in the neighborhood, visiting beaches of North Carolina, family game nights, Star Wars movies, cooking and feasting together as a family.

Everyone close to Julius referred to him as ‘Rudy’. Family called him Baruti, which means ‘Educator’. Rudy embraced the meaning of his name by emphasizing the importance of education to his children and being a remarkable storyteller who recalled vivid details of shared memories with loved ones. Rudy was always the life of the party - finding humor in any situation and uplifting those around him. He adored his family and made life fun for his kids, whether rooting for the Patriots, playing Madden or racing go-karts. Friends and family will miss his smile, his stories, well-placed jokes, and welcoming nature.

Predeceased by his father Julius Lewis and his second mother Felecia Celeste Williams, he is survived by his wife and children, mother Deborah Ann Williams, and siblings Shannon Spears (Enfield, CT) and Cherise Williams (Mesa, AZ). He will be fondly remembered by his two closest cousins Tawanna Johnson and Omar Williams, (together with Baruti known as the ‘Three Musketeers’), and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday January 20th, 11am at Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park: 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612.

Donations for the family can be made on their GoFundMe Page: https://gofund.me/66b9feaf

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