William (Bill) Jerry Lewis, Sr., 78, of Ft. Gaines passed away on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at his residence. Graveside funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 22, 2022, in the MT. Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. George Hartley officiating.

Mr. Lewis was born on March 20, 1943, in Copperhill, TN the son of the late Bud and Ruby Mull Lewis. He graduated from West Fannin High School and attended Truett McConnell College in Cleveland, GA and later in life attended Sparks Technical College in Eufaula, AL. Bill was drafted into the Army in 1966 and served two years. He served in Vietnam, while there he became ill and was hospitalized in Japan for approximately 4 months. He received a Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expert (Rifle), National Defense Service Medal Combat Infantryman Badge and Air Medal.

After his time in the Army, he worked for the U. S. Postal Service for 20 years before retiring. He was active in the American Legion. In 1976, he received Legionnaire of the Year Award for outstanding service to Post 118 during the past year. He loved to deer hunt and to fish for hybrids.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Glenda Sanders Lewis, a son, William Jerry Lewis, Jr. and his wife Jeanene of Canton, Ga, a daughter, Sheila Lewis Bonds and husband Heath of Hoover, AL, 3 grandchildren, Halie Lewis, Madison Foradori and Rachel Bonds. He was very close to his lifelong friend and cousin Walter Key, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and numerous other cousins from his native North Georgia. He loved all of his family immensely and was a steadfast friend.

He was very grateful and enjoyed seeing his Kindred Hospice Care Team, especially Angela, Becky, Demetria and Dorothy. He was also thankful for all of Rosa's help and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Cemetery Fund, Mount Vernon Baptist Church, P. O. Box 434, Ft. Gaines, GA 39851. The family will receive friends on Friday from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

LUNSFORD FUNERAL HOME

CUTHBERT, GA 229/732-2148