Robert Samuel Lewis Jr.

“Mr. Robert Samuel Lewis Jr.”

(Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

Robert Samuel Lewis, Jr. was born on July 4, 1944 in Orlando, Florida to the late Robert Lewis Sr and Dorothy Davis Lewis. Robert was the fourth of seven children and was baptized at an early age after he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at Triumph Church of God in Christ in Orlando. Robert attended Jones High School in Orlando, and graduated in 1962. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served proudly for four years. He was released as a sergeant with honorable discharge. Robert loved to share his military experience with family and friends and, he was very proud to be a veteran and to have had the opportunity to serve our country.

Robert attended Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. Robert received recognition for making the Dean’s list and began his career with the United States Postal Service for 30 years he served in various capacities of management and received several certifications and recognitions during his tenure in management. He retired as a Procurement Specialist Manager.

After retiring, Robert had a passion to mentor and inspire youth. He became a crossing guard for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and serviced the Westchase Community for eight years. Robert was regarded as the “Beloved Crossing Guard” by the community; countless students and families shared what a blessing he was to them.

Prior to retiring, on February 21, 2018, he was featured on ABC Action News in a video news story, students and their families recognized him for his kind spirit, keeping them safe and for being a great inspiration to the Westchase community. One student quoted, “He was the best crossing guard I have ever met”. News anchor Heather Lee Leigh stated, “At the corner of Greta Green Drive and Kingsbridge Avenue, “There is a man making everyone’s day, He greets so many people, His charm is contagious”. After “Eight years of waving, smiling and helping, Robert knew he had a job with an important role.

Robert loved the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and also worked as a seasonal employee at Raymond James Stadium. Robert loved his grandchildren and cherished the times they spent together. He was a mentor to each of them and was a great inspiration to his grandson, Brian Jr. “Bucky”. The two of them were inseparable; Robert enjoyed attending Brian’s school events, driving around town and eating at their favorite restaurants.

Robert was united in holy matrimony to Antionette Lewis on January 10, 1993. They enjoyed traveling to Freeport, Bahamas, Columbus, Ohio and to Orlando where they frequently visited family and friends. Robert and Antionette enjoyed discussing politics, educations and mostly, spending time with their grandchildren.

Robert also enjoyed spending time with his brother Cyrus and taking road trips to Bethune Cookman College and to the University of Central Florida to pick up his nephews; Robert Lewis Jr. (Robby) and Eric Lewis. Robert also enjoyed watching his nephew and drum major, Renaldo Aikins (Jody), perform with the Bethune Cookman College marching band. Robert loved talking to his brother Ulysses “Greek” every day when they reflected on family, sports, politics, movies and other exciting topics.

Robert will be remembered for his impeccable work ethic and for being such a great, inspiration and role model to his grandchildren. He possessed, strong family values, ethics, dedication, patriotism and had the highest standards of unconditional love and support for his family.

Robert’s life was one of profound inspiration, “quiet strength” and integrity. He will be missed and cherished eternally.

Robert departed this life peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2020. He is preceded in death by his parents, the late Robert Samuel Lewis Sr. and the late Dorothy Davis Lewis, and his late his sister Agnes McClutchen. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 27 years, Antionette Lewis, his devoted son Brian Sr, his loving grandson Brian Jr. “Bucky” loving granddaughter Savannah, his beloved sisters: Linda Payne, and Marlene Lewis; his devoted brothers: Ulysses (Carol), Lloyd Lewis, Cyrus Lewis (Marilyn).

He is lovingly remembered by his devoted Sisters- in Laws: Marilyn Lewis, Diane McGriff, Debra Williams, Scynovia Hopkins, Jennifer Hopkins and Sharon Terrelonge (Lynford), Zina Butler, Denise Butler, Wilameta Butler and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many loyal and supporting friends.