Lugene Lewis

Celebration of Life
“BOY”
Lugene Lewis
“Don’t cry for me, I lived my life MY WAY”
Lugene Lewis was born January 14, 1951 in Shaw, MS to the blessed parents of Mr. Robert Lewis, Sr. and Mrs. Susie Mae Robinson Lewis. Lugene was called home on July 9, 2023 peacefully at his home where his heart and soul thrived. He was the 12th of fifteen children. His mother, father, and 10 siblings proceeded him in death.

Lugene confessed hope and a personal faith in Christ at an early age. Though he wasn’t known to attend traditional church, he would say, “I love the Lord and he knows me and that’s enough!” Lugene was affectionately nicknamed “Boy” by his older sister Ella Mae "Nump” (Lewis) Allen because he was nameless for a short period of time after birth. This nickname became synonymous with the way he uniquely was to his family. Uncle Boy was different and proudly shared his ways with his loved ones and friends. From his clean, “unseasoned” way of eating, to his incorporation of rigorous exercise and physical activity in all things that he did, his witty sense of humor, sage advice, and to his love for westerns and rock music, he was uniquely special! Very much like his older brother JC “Sonny” Lewis who helped raise him after the passing of his mother at the age of 15. He made unique and special connections with all his siblings, nieces, and nephews. On the same level as his love for family was his love for dogs. His commitment for Peewee, Pearl, George, Samantha Pearl and his grandpups Molly, Jaxson and Jabari was unrivaled.

Lugene attended Shaw Elementary School as a youth. He always jokingly shared how he and his “slightly” younger niece Earnestine (Miller)Payne shared a classroom though they were in different grades. He later moved with his family to Illinois and attended Lincoln Sr. High School where he graduated in 1971. Here he met his high school sweetheart, and his forever love and future wife Sharon Tammons. After high school, Lugene was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany for 3 years. He received an honorable discharge in 1974.

Lugene and Sharon were joined in holy matrimony November 30, 1979 and remained happily committed until he parted this earthly home. To this union two daughters were born, which he named. The eldest Cheryll Teresa Lewis b.1981 – named after her mother Sharon Teresa and uniquely given two LLs in her name to represent his initials. Apryll Lynette Lewis b.1988 - name spelling to share the latter part of her sister’s name. Lugene was also the loving father of son Vincent Lenier Yates b.1978. From Vincent he was the proud grandfather of three grandsons Vincent Lenier Yates, Jr. – 12, Vaughn Lucas White – 7 and Vance Sir White – 2.
Lugene had an impeccable work ethic and was well loved by all his employers and peers. He built life-long friendships throughout the years. He was naturally inclined to repairing and enhancing the performance of anything that had an engine. He was initially taught by his elder brothers, JC, Joe, and Eddie. He was employed at St. Louis housing for three years where he honed his passion for small engine repair. From there he operated his own lawn mower repair business in Lebanon, Illinois across the street from his home. He was also an avid home-grown engineer and could weld and create specialized tools to suit any needs. In 1988 he relocated his family back to his home state of Mississippi. He was employed with Quality Steel for 25 years in welding and maintenance. Here he received many accolades for his outstanding work and innovation into the company’s process improvement.

Lugene leaves to cherish his precious memory his wife of 44 years Sharon Teresa Lewis, his daughters Cheryll and Apryll Lewis of Antioch, TN , son Vincent Yates of San Antonio, TX, three grandsons VJ, Vaughn, and Vance, three sisters, Lula White of Belleville, IL, Betty Jean Lewis of Washington Park, IL, Pearline Thedford of Houston, TX and one brother Elijah Lewis of Shaw, MS, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and loyal friends.