Lewis Earl Smith, 88, passed away peacefully Tuesday December 31, 2024, in Tavares, Florida.
He was born April 18, 1936, in Fayetteville, North Carolina to Odie J. and Lula Mae Smith. He was a 1960 graduate of East Carolina University and received a BS degree in Business. He was enlisted in the United States Airforce during the Korean war and was honorably discharged. Lewis was employed by the Union Oil Company for thirty-two years where he retired as a Terminal Manager in Pensacola, Florida.
He lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures, enjoying a good cigar and a beer with his friends in The Villages, spending time with his grandchildren fishing and swimming, and supporting his favorite football teams, the Green Bay Packers, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Florida State Seminoles. He also enjoyed playing golf with his friends and was an avid traveler that took him to destinations around the world. Lewis was a member of the Knights of Columbus as well as the American Legion.
He particularly enjoyed participating in the annual Tootsie Roll fund raiser initiated by the Knights of Columbus. Lewis is preceded in death by his wife of fifty-seven years, Yvonne Smith. Those he leaves to mourn are his daughter,Robyn Smith, his sons Scott Smith(Susan) and Brian Smith. Also mourning are his grandchildren Alyssa Burgin (Paul), Morgan Smith, and great grandchild Tripp Burgin. Lewis will be missed by many and never forgotten. He was a wonderful man who loved life and his family. Our love for him will live on in our hearts and memories forever.