Roy Lewis
Obituary
Roy James Lewis was born January 18, 1927 in Porum, OK to Ben F. and Velma (Branch) Lewis. He passed from this life Friday, March 2, 2012 in Tulsa at the age of 85. He was reared in Hartford, AR, where he graduated Valedictorian and was President of the Class of 1944. He earned degrees from Arkansas Polytechnic University, where he was President of the Class of 1955, and from the University of Tulsa. He served in the United Sates Navy during World War II.
Roy was an active member of Boston Avenue Methodist Church. He was Past President of the Rotary Club of Tulsa, Tulsa Area Chapter of Freedoms Foundation, Tulsa Education Association and Tulsa Metropolitan Retired Educators Association. Roy was a member of the Hartford Masonic Lodge, Tulsa Scottish Rite Consistory 33* where he served as President of the Tulsa Scottish Rite Charitable and Educational Foundation, and the Akdar Shrine. Roy was named recipient of the Scottish Rite Grand Cross award in 2011. Since 1957, Roy served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Oklahoma Educational Memorial Trust Foundation which has granted more than $2.3 million in college scholarships to graduates of Tulsa Public Schools. He was recipient of the Freedoms Foundation American Educators Medal while serving as Principal of Will Rogers High School. Roy was named American Business Women's Association Boss of the Year in 1983.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents; his two brothers, Thomas David and Bernard Paul Lewis; two nephews, James and Donald Lewis. He is survived by two nephews, Larry Lewis and his wife, Margaret of Duncanville, TX, Michael Lewis and his wife, Teresa of Midlothian, TX; and special friend, Dr. Gwen Humphrey of Tulsa.
The family will receive friends 5 - 7:00 pm Tuesday at Ninde Brookside Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday at Boston Avenue Methodist Church. Graveside committal will be 1:00 pm Thursday at Hartford Cemetery, Hartford, AR.
In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute in Roy's memory to the Oklahoma Educational Memorial Trust Foundation, PO Box 470208, Tulsa, OK 74147 or Boston Avenue Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 1301 S. Boston Ave., Tulsa, OK 74119.
Events
Tributes & Memories
As an educator, there will be many students who will not know of his passing. As they might not so know, they also might not have been so positioned to say thank you in the years since passed of his impact upon us, his students. I am one of the lucky ones. At Edison where I was a student, our 1959 year book was dedicated to him. Tirelessly, he guided and, gifted us. My dad recognized this and said I was lucky that Mr. Lewis cared. His care did not end at our graduations for he continued his involvement with us at our reunions. I remember him clearly and dearly and again say, "Thank you, Mr. Lewis, Thank you." John Jones Edison '61 Chattanooga, TN
John Jones
As a lifelong friend of Roy, please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers. I met Roy through my father, Aubrey Baer, an Tulsa educator with Tulsa Public Schools for over 30 year until his death a few years ago.We lived in the same neighborhood, and I will always remember his kindness toward my parents and myself.I always so enjoyed our visits at the grocery, the mall, at Boston Avenue, and especially on summer walks in the neighborheed.I join his family, friends, and former educators and students in celebrating the life of this wonderful Christian gentleman.He ws a class act from start to finish.May he rest in peace. Margaret Baer Snellgrove
Margaret Baer Snellgrove
Dear Friends, It has been my privilege to know Roy for many years. Working with Roy as a colleague in Tulsa Public Schools and serving on committees made me aware of the depth and breath of his expertise in many areas. Few people I have known had the recall of Roy for names of people and pages of history relating to his love for kids. To say, "Roy will be missed" is a gross understatement. Roy will be missed for his leadership and friendship. I, and my family, feel blessed for sharing in the life of Roy Lewis.
Eddie Creekpaum
Mr. Lewis was a wonderful principal. He was a thoughtful friend when my grandfather passed away in 1971. As a member of Rogers class of 1971 he was the firm yet kind voice of the school. How wonderful it was to see him at reunions! Thoughts are with his family at this time. May he rest in peace.
Charlotte McDaniel
Mr.Lewis was my teacher and counselor at Edison 1956,Iwas in the first graduation class in 1958. He was a very fine person also,It was nice to see him at the mall,or on the street.
Tommy Munn
You have been such an inspiration to me and the entire class of Will Rogers High 1971. You were the epitome of the terms scholar and gentleman. Your fight for better education funding will be sorely missed. Thank you for the opportunity of knowing you and coming to our many class reunions. You will be one of heaven's brightest stars.
Terry Lynn White
My sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Lewis. He was a great educator, an enthusiastic supporter of his students, a devoted Christain,and a faithful Mason. I have many fond memories of him at Will Rogers High School, where he endeared himself to all. It was a treat to have him as our guest of honor at our 30th class reunion, where he opened our assembly with "Welcome to this, another general assembly". May he rest in peace. Sincerely, Jo Ann Clark Class 1972 WRHS
Jo Ann Clark
My sincere condolences to Gwen and to the many many friends and extended family members who have all been touched by Roy's presence in their lives.
Jane Stewart
It is with this note I send my sincerest condolences on the death of Roy. Roy had been my next door neighbor for 14 years. I'm not sure I really knew what a good neighbor was until I met Roy. We would talk and catch up every so often and as everyone knows, he was humorous, interesting, generous, and a delight to be around. Once in a while he would bake a German Chocolate Cake and bring a huge slice for me to enjoy...they were delicious! I was compelled to do more in my yard since he did such a fine job keeping his looking wonderful. I want you to know that my friends and family that have met Roy while over at my house also send their regrets. If there is anything I can do to assist, please let me know. Again, pleased accept my deepest sympathies, Roy was a great man and friend. Sincerely, Bob Muir
Bob Muir