Richard Roy Lewis

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Richard Roy Lewis (“Rick”), who returned to the Lord on September 22, 2024, at the age of 80. Rick passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

Rick was born in Tampa and lived his formative years in Jacksonville Beach where his love of the beach and proficiency on the tennis court were cultivated. During his junior high and high school years, Rick held multiple single-digit rankings for tennis in the state of Florida. Rick attended Florida State University, where he earned a degree in mathematics, and played on the tennis team. He met the love of his life, Anne LeFils, in class at the Love Building.

After graduation, Rick entered Aviation Officer Candidate School in the US Navy. During his 11 years of active duty, Rick excelled in his training at Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun), served two nine-month cruises aboard the USS Independence and John F. Kennedy, and held various leadership positions. Rick served in the US Naval Reserves for an additional 11 years.

As a civilian, Rick continued his career in aviation, flying corporate jets for Proctor & Gamble, and commercial aircraft for People Express and United Airlines. In the final decade of his vocation, he was an instructor for Southwest Airlines. Rick embodied the values of courage, sacrifice, and duty throughout his tenure as an aviator. He treasured his time in the skies.

In addition to his passion for aviation, Rick found joy in various sports he played throughout his life, including tennis, pickle ball, softball, football, skiing and golf. Rick lived life to the fullest, and will be remembered for watching James Bond movies, dancing along to Fleetwood Mac and Neil Diamond songs, drawing in friends with his “nose flicks” and jokes, maintaining the family’s 1968 VW Bug, lending an eager hand to friends and neighbors to fix practically anything, and enjoying pumpkin pie (even for breakfast).

Rick and Anne were married for 42 years. Nothing brought him more joy than the loving and loyal marriage he shared with Anne; she was his life’s greatest blessing. They raised four children together, traveled frequently to visit family and experience new places, hosted holiday and other gatherings, played bridge, cribbage and pinochle, and regularly attended church and Bible studies. As a devoted father, Rick was purposeful in passing on his strong work ethic, various practical life skills, and most of all, his love and attention.

Rick will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of his loved ones and all who were blessed to know him.

Rick is survived by his children Cheryl (Mike) Bayer, Mandy (Jim) Fleming, Scott (Lizz) Lewis, and Megan (Adam) Wilcox, and his grandchildren Alex Fleming, Sarah Fleming, Lauren Bayer, Jennifer Bayer, Maggie Lewis, and Declan Lewis. He is preceded in death by his wife Anne, and his parents. Visitation is from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Gotha, FL. A funeral Mass will be held at St. James Cathedral in Orlando, FL at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2024, with interment following at Woodlawn Memorial Park. The family invites friends and loved ones to join them in praying for the repose of his soul. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Catholic Charities USA or the American Cancer Society.