Known for his dry humor (that often embarrassed his daughters during their teenage years), Robert Edward Lewis, age 78, inconveniently passed away in his sleep on April 14, 2023. He was born on July 25, 1944, in Corpus Christi, Texas to Robert Elmo Lewis and Carmen “Billye” Elizabeth Lewis (Cannon). His Christmas in July birthday may explain why he started keeping his Christmas tree up year-round and decorating it for the different seasons. His early life was filled with Boy Scouts, trips to the beach, and Whataburger (the #5 was his favorite).
Robert’s first job was while he was in high school at his father’s lab at ASARCO and this is where his interest in chemistry started. This led him to his lifelong calling as a pharmacist. Robert attended the University of Texas at Austin where he graduated with a BA in Psychology in 1967 and then a BS in Pharmacy in 1969. While at the University of Texas he was active in the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity and he also attended most home football games. Robert was fortunate to be attending UT when they won their first two Football National Championships and that solidified his love of UT football. His devotion to UT football was evident when, in 2005, he broke his hand and rather than go see a doctor he took some Tylenol and left for California with the Flying Longhorns to watch the Longhorns defeat USC to win the 2005 Football National Championships.
Church was also important to Robert and while at UT, he attended University Presbyterian Church. It was at here that Robert met his wife, The Rev. Dr. Laura Brooking Lewis. They were married on June 14, 1969, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi and shortly after moved to Richmond, VA so Laura could get her master’s degree. While in Virginia, he started his first job as a pharmacist, but it wasn’t until they moved to Salisbury, NC that he really began flourishing in his life’s calling. In Salisbury, he owned his own pharmacy where he spent the next 7 years. In 1978, Robert and Laura moved back to Texas where he would live until his death.
After their move, Robert took a job as a pharmacist for Skaggs Alpha Beta. During this time, he and his wife would adopt two girls, Nancy and Kate, and his family became the center of his world (followed closely by UT football and being a pharmacist). Robert left Skaggs for the Austin State School (now the Austin State Supported Living Center) in 1988 so that he could have more regular hours and participate in school events with his daughters. After this transition, he never missed attending any activity that involved his girls and he became their chauffeur, coach, and confidant. Eventually he would become the Director of Pharmacy Services and retire from the Austin State School. Even after he retired, Robert kept his pharmacist license up to date and he was often the source of pharmaceutical knowledge for his family. He also was hardly seen without a small container of various medicines in his pocket that caused him to walk with a little rattle.
In 2008, shortly after his retirement, his grandson Ehren was born (he only had grand-dogs up to that point). Like with his daughter’s, Robert never missed seeing any of Ehren’s school performances, sporting events, or special activities. Robert was a guiding light in his grandson’s life, and they became very close. During this time, Robert was also taking care of his wife, Laura, after she was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. They had planned to retire and travel the world and when she was unable to do so, Robert instead traveled the world with his grandson, his girls, and their husbands. Traveling with his family with the fourth passion in Robert’s life and we know he is disappointed he died before going with his family to Antarctica this coming Christmas.
Robert is survived by his sister, Ann Atkins (Bobby), by his daughters Nancy Goree (Jon) and Kate Powers (Michael); and his grandson, Ehren Goree. He is also survived by his grand-dogs: Cricket, Ranger, Harley Quinn, and Kezia.
A public memorial service is planned on May 30, 2023, at 2 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3208 Exposition Blvd, Austin, Texas 78703.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Outdoor Assistance Fund at Vail Mountain School (that goes towards student travel scholarships), to the Houston ASPCA or Needy Paws Animal Shelter in Clarksville, Arkansas (where some of his grand-dogs were adopted), or to your local animal shelter.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Lewis family.
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