Obituary of SMSGT Billy Ray Lewis, USAF,

Billy Ray Lewis passed away on September 24, 2016, at the age of 80, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, surrounded by family and all those that deeply cared for him. He is now with the Lord.He was born on July 10, 1936 in Wilson, North Carolina and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Owen B. Townsell of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. He was raised in Aliquippa and was a member of First Church of God in Christ. He continued to support his church and services over the years. Billy was a 1954 graduate from Aliquippa High School and attended the University of Maryland, European Division in Germany and earned two Associates degrees from Pikes Peak Community College.Sergeant Lewis served twenty-four years in the United States Air Force as an Aerospace Control and Warning System Technician. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service as a crew chief in February 1972, at Quang Tri Army Combat Base in Vietnam. He served as a first sergeant and radar supervisor before retiring in 1978 as the Aerospace Control and Warning System Superintendent, for the 4799th SAS, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, in the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.After serving his country, he worked at Digital Equipment Corporation as a Material Plant Manager, a Production Controller at Minco Manufacturing Company, and subsequently, Walmart Stores, Inc. for the last fifteen years. Over the years, he enjoyed his work and his Walmart family, winning many awards for exceptional service, before retiring in May 2016.He was a kind, gentle and outgoing person with a zest for life. Billy was loved by everyone who came in touch with him. He genuinely enjoyed being around and talking to people from all walks of life. You could count Billy to be there for you, no matter the circumstance. He worked hard to provide for his family through the years, and made time to be there for every game, birthday party, and personal event. He truly cherished every moment spent with family and friends. He loved and enjoyed sports, especially his beloved Denver Broncos. Billy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and son. He is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Rabieb Lewis; his sister, LoVonne Vaughn; his niece, Darla Banks; his nephew, William Wilson, Jr.; his sons and daughters, Jeffrey, Willie, Paul and Noi, Vennita and Joe, Athena and Donna, Suriyan and Kathy, and Tony and Jen; his fourteen grandchildren, Geoffrey, Mark, Paul, Steven, Steffen, Stephanie, Brittney, Tyler, Trey, Derek, Evan, Kayla, Amara, and Savannah; and his five great grandchildren, Aniya, Brody, Austin, Parker, and Kameron. Memorial service, 10:00AM, Friday, October 28, 2016 at The Springs Funeral Services, 3115 East Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Billy's memory to the Colorado Springs Park and Recreation Helping Hands Fund, 719-385-6008 (attn: Jerry). Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Service Friday, October 28, 2016 10:00AM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855