Alfred Buchanan Lewis

Alfred Buchanan “A.B.” Lewis was lost to us on December 2, 2020 at the age of 92. Born August 27, 1928 to George and Kate Lewis at St. Joseph hospital here in Houston. 10 years after their last daughter, this late arrival of an only son was a blessed addition to a family that doted on him. On July 2, 1953, he married Thelma Mae Wright surrounded by family and friends. He lost his beloved wife of 35 years to cancer in 1989. He was a devoted husband and they had four children: Pamela, Debra, Jerry and Jan.

Growing up in the Houston “Heights”, his family could only offer a modest income. In order to financially assist his family, he had a newspaper route. Known for rolling his newspapers faster than anyone else, the other boys nicknamed him Lightnin’. The name stuck and he answered to it for the remainder of his life.

Lightnin’ attended Hogg Jr. High and Reagan High School through his sophomore year where he played football. He went from 10th grade football to the United States Navy. He enlisted at the age of 16, but officially began his military service September 10, 1945. This was 13 days after his 17th birthday. He served in the United States Navy until August 25, 1949. While in the navy, he served on 4 ships: The Cebu, The Oklahoma City, The Shangri La, and The Algol. On July 1, 1946, while serving on The Cebu, he participated in Atomic Bomb testing at Bikini Atoll in The Marshal Islands. He was only 18 years old. He told many stories about this time including an accident where he and some shipmates fell overboard in radioactive water. The only known side effects: the loss of all his hair and a fear of water. After the event, he rarely went to the coast and never got in salt water above his ankles.

Upon discharge from U.S. Navy, he returned home to Houston and entered The Houston Police Department Academy class #6 on November 16, 1950. During his tenure with the department, he was assigned to the Patrol Bureau, Traffic Enforcement and Northwest Division. Lightnin’ was enormously proud of his H.P.D. career and it was huge part of his identity. After 31 years of service, he retired from the department on March 2, 1981. Working two jobs to support his growing family, he also owned ABL Trucking Company that he operated with his wife Thelma. He continued the business for years after his service with H.P.D.

He was proud when his daughter, Debra, followed in his footsteps and joined the ranks of the Houston Police Department. His grandson, Austin Gryder, continued the family tradition in 2019 by enrolling in the H.P.D. Academy.

Lightnin’ was known for his contagious laugh and bigger than life personality. His concern and loyalty for those who loved him was a hallmark of a man who could be depended upon during their time of need or crisis. The youngest son became a big brother to his sisters and parents as the years passed. Always a rock in a stormy sea, he was there to reach out and provide whatever was needed to make the lives of those around him better and more secure. A longtime friend he met in the 1980’s is proof of this kindness to those in his life. Mario Rodriguez worked for Lightnin’ over the years but also became a good friend. When Mario needed help getting his citizenship in the United States, Lightnin’ was there to lend a helping hand. Lightnin’ became like a second father to Mario and, like so many other friendships, lasted a whole lifetime. There was never a problem that could not be solved under his attentive care.

Throughout his life he continued striving for a better life for his family. But he always made time for his family, children and friends. Lightnin’ always loved to drive. So, trips ranged from Sunday outings downtown for afternoon movies to road trips from Galveston to California. Once he sold the trucking business, he enjoyed spending time on his family farm in Caldwell, Texas. He raised Hereford cattle and was co-owner of several race horses. In the late stages of his life, Lightnin’ lived with his daughter, Debra, in Cypress enjoying the comforts of a well lived life. He enjoyed watching “The Western Channel” and “The Weather Channel”. He was a devoted fan of The Houston Astros and The Houston Texans. He loved the city of Houston. But most of all, he loved his Lord, his family, and all his friends.

There will never be another Lightnin’ Lewis! He has left behind a life full of funny stories and poignant memories. We all will remember him as he was, a hero in life. A man with an overwhelming love of life and a gentle kindness. He was so loved and will forever be missed….

Lightnin’ was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Lewis

Parents: George and Kate Lewis

Sisters: Edith Reuter, Ruth Brieger Jackson, and Helen Collins Wisnoski

Nephews: James Brieger, Ronnie Brieger and Pat Collins

Fallen Officer Gary Gryder and husband to Debra Gryder

He is survived by his children:

Pamela and Gene Reed

Debra Gryder

Jerry and Tammy Lewis

Jan and Dale Jones

Grandchildren: Shadd Reed, Kelsey Reed and Brandy Reed Willis

Jennifer and Kevin Harris

Austin and Samantha Gryder

Cody Lewis and Darian Lewis

Ash Jones

Kayla and Jason Dermody

Great Grandchildren: Avery Streeter, Landon Streeter and Kayson Harris

Hudson Reed and Dawson Reed

Nieces: Sharon Brieger Planck and Cathy Reuter Setzekorn , Nephew: Bobby Wisnoski