William Benston Lewis II

William Benston Lewis II, was born August 23, 1956, to Euclid Whorton Lewis and Genevieve Mckinney Lewis. Surrounded by his loving family and just days before his 66th birthday, William was called to his eternal home in heaven on August 19, 2022.

Born in Brunswick, GA, William was a lifelong resident. William was 4th generation in the seafood business that his great grandfathers began. His seamanship training began as he attended Sanford Naval Academy where he graduated in 1974. While there he enjoyed many experiences with his Boston Whaler on the St. John's River. After graduation from Sanford Naval Academy, he attended Brunswick Junior College. William then joined the family business and became a supervisor of seafood processing including crab and shrimp at Lewis Crab Factory from 1976 until 1998.

William obtained his 100-Ton Master License in 1977 and operated commercial and passenger vessels the rest of his life. His training began with his great uncle, Elmo Whorton, working as First Mate and Captain of his family's passenger boats, the Cumberland Queen, ferrying visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore, and the Island Queen, a charter fishing and dinner cruise vessel. In 1999 William opened Lewis Wholesale Seafood on Bay Street where he owned and operated a small fleet of shrimp boats, a packing house, and a marine railway. Along with his many experiences on the water, William also worked at Glynn Iron and Metal. William was a gifted storyteller and loved sharing stories of the past with friends and visitors. As a Fishing Captain & Tour Guide for Cap Fendig of Lighthouse Trolleys, Land and Sea Tours, William navigated local waterways and captivated his audience during history tours and ecological trawls. His last sea duty was through the Department of Natural Resources as Captain on the Sapelo Island ferry.

William was a Mason, and a member of Ocean Lodge # 214 F. & A. M. in Brunswick, GA where he served as Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1992.

His battle with cancer showed his courage as he faced life challenges with a smile. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 44 years, Cindy Rose Nettles. William and Cindy built a life together in Brunswick, raising their two children, Jennifer Rose and Robert William in William's childhood home. Some of William's happiest moments were spent with his family, especially since becoming a grandfather to Mary Ellen and Daly. Two of his favorite places to be were on the water and at the family farm on his tractor.

William is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Cindy and their children, Jennifer Rose Lewis of New York City and Bobby Lewis of Brunswick, grandchildren Mary Ellen and Daly (Bobby), his brother, David G. Lewis (Betty Anne) and sister, Kathye Fairman (Mike), nieces, nephews and numerous cousins.

William will be laid to rest on Thursday, August 25, at 10am at Palmetto Cemetery with Reverend Jim Crandall officiating with Masonic Rites. The reception will follow the graveside service at the First Baptist Church Social Hall.

To Honor William, contributions could be made to Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Pkwy, Brunswick, GA 31525; https://hospice.me or W.A.G.S Rescue, 696 New Bethel Rd., Jesup, GA 31545; https://wags-rescue.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.edomillerandsons.com for the Lewis family.