The passing of Chad Brandon Lewis, ends a hard-fought battle with ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. A rare illness suffered by a rare and precious man. As his flesh withered, his spirit flourished. On October 30, 2021, he exited his broken body leaving behind many broken hearts.
Chad, a talented, self-taught musician and song writer had an angelic sweet voice which matched the beauty of the words he assembled and lovingly shared with all who listened.
He loved fishing and spent a lifetime casting on the waters, mostly in the company of his loving father. Together they would commune and meditate over their rods and reels bonding in their mutual love of nature and the waters. They fished all around the local area, in particular at Booker T. Washington Park, next to his childhood home.
As much as he loved fishing, he loved Braves baseball, spending his final days watching his team win the national championship and going on to the World Series. One of his best days enduring ALS was attending the Braves versus Nationals game on the first ever celebration of Lou Gehrig day as a VIP. That day Chad had a lifelong dream fulfilled when he met his favorite team member, Ron Washington, who chatted with Chad, as if he were a dear old friend. It was truly a magical day for him and one he will carry into the spiritual world.
Death is a passing and a transition from the fragile human form into the heavenly realm beyond. A realm where he no longer suffers and is stuck in a failing body. He can now soar. All who loved him will cherish the memories of a kind, funny talented, loving passionate man who never met a stranger and always spoke his truth.
Chad is survived by his loving wife, Angela Messina, who is forever grateful they were able to celebrate their 5th wedding anniversary on October 15th, 2 weeks prior to his passing. He is also survived by his parents, Fred and Elaine Lewis; sister, Amy (Brent) Hulgan and nephew, Alex Standefer. Chad will be cherished in memory by his in-laws, Georgia and Terry Messina; best friend, Matt Rogers; close family friend, JoAnn Gragg; his caregiver, Jordan Presley; brothers and sisters-in-law, Chris and Melissa Messina, Ted and Ann Janecek, Melanie and Nick Wilk, and Tyler and Jessica Messina.
A Celebration of Life service for Chad will be held on Wednesday, December 22, at the North Shore Fellowship, 118 Woodland Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37405. The time will be announced later.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Chad’s name to the ALS Association Tennessee Chapter, PO Box 40244, Nashville, TN 37204, www.alstn.org or Hearth Hospice, 513 Georgia Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37403, www.hearthhospice.com
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
