Charles "Chuck" Benson Lewis, age 84, of Montgomery, Alabama passed away on Friday, April 7, 2023. Chuck was born in New Jersey to Omer Irl "Lew" Lewis and Elida Deborah Benson. He was preceded in death by his parents but survived by his wife of 59 years, Bette Wible Lewis; his children and their spouses, Charles Thomas Lewis and his wife Catherine Lewis of Indianapolis, IN, William David Lewis and Kirsten Furlong of Boise, ID, and Stephen Patrick Lewis and his wife Jo Ashfield Lewis of Lowndesboro, AL. Chuck also leaves behind 3 grandchildren, Amalia Wiatr-Lewis, Erika Lynn Lewis and David James Lewis as well as his sisters, Virginia Lewis Radcliffe and Carol Lewis McHugh to cherish his memory.
Charles Lewis graduated in 1962 with a BS in mechanical engineering from Grove City college, a small Presbyterian college in Grove City, PA. Air Force ROTC in college resulted in an assignment to Craig AFB in Selma where he met his wife Bette. They married in October 1963, the same day he earned his wings. He was assigned to a B-52 squadron at Mather AFB near Sacramento, CA. In February 1965, the squadron was temporarily based at Anderson AFB on Guam if needed for flights over Viet Nam. He served two tours at Anderson before being transferred to K.I. Sawyer AFB near Marquette, Michigan. Chuck left the Air Force December 1967 to become a pilot for United Airlines. He was employed by United until retirement in 1997 and was a Captain on both the Boeing 757 and Boeing 767.
When asked "What did Chuck enjoy?" the family was quick to reply, "Life- he loved life." A collector of hobbies, his interests were broad and varied with memberships in RUPA (Retired United Pilots Association), Montgomery Area Stamp Club (former president), Montgomery Area Daylily Society, and Auburn Astronomical Society. A member and elder within the Presbyterian church, he was also an active choir member who loved music. With a warm smile and a quick wit, he loved to make folks laugh. An avid woodworker and a talented magician, he shared his gifts freely.
A family and friends visitation for Chuck will be held Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Providence Presbyterian Church, 2130 Bell Road, Montgomery, AL 36117, followed by a celebration of life memorial service at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Chuck's memory may be made to Providence Presbyterian Church, 2130 Bell Rd., Montgomery, AL 36117.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Leak-MC.com for the Lewis family.
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Providence Presbyterian Church2130 Bell Rd., Montgomery, AL 36117
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