Obituary for Kenneth B. Lewis
Brother Kenneth Bernard Lewis, the first of five siblings, was born to the parentage of the late James Lewis and Josephine Smith Lewis on October 13, 1957 in Bainbridge, Georgia. To know Kenneth was to be in the presence of someone with compassion. If there was a second chance to be had, Kenneth was the one to give it. He devoted his entire life to providing for those he loved. For that, his legacy will always remain unwavering, never be forgotten
During Kenneth’s first few years, he was left in the care of fathers’ aunt Callie Owen Levens of Bainbridge Ga., while his parents’ setup new roots in Miami Florida. More like their own child than a great nephew, Callie and Luther Levens cherished the time they had with Kenneth. Their love and compassion during his formative years helped to shape the man we all loved. Kenneth would often visit his beloved aunt. She would say “When they came to take you to Miami it likened to kill me”. Kenneth remained close to his great aunt and uncle the remainder of their lives.
Kenneth, also known as Ken or Kenny, was no stranger to hard work. He began working at the age of 14 and never stopped. His ability for repairing almost anything was impressive and began during childhood. He learned to master the mechanics of TV’s, radios, bicycles and cars. An instruction manual was not needed. Eventually Kenneth became a master of many trades. He was a plumber, electrician, carpenter, and flooring specialist, among his many talents. His obsession with perfecting his skills resulted in many prosperous opportunities. In the early 90’s, he became the manager at Miami Depot and remained there for 18 years before going into business for himself. His strong work ethic and moral beliefs remained consistent throughout his lifetime and were not only admired by those who employed him, but all that knew him.
Despite the many challenges he faced as a young adult, complaining was not a part of his nature. He was a man of few words but many unspoken endeavors. When his mother passed there was no question about his duty as the eldest son. He did not hesitate to embrace the role of caregiver, provider, and nurturer to his younger siblings. No matter the challenge, it was met with grace, dignity, and his unshakeable faith in God.
In 1976 Kenneth and Diana McMahon met in high school. The chemistry between the two was undeniable. They were married in 1982. The Lewis’s were blessed with two beautiful twin girls April 12, 1996. The couple named the twins using the first letter of their own names; Katrina and Danielle. As a husband and a father he always provided for his family. There was never a doubt about how much Kenneth loved his family. Whenever he had the chance, he would brag about his girls He never asked much of them, but respect and doing well in school were mandatory. Both Katrina and Danielle graduated from high school in 2014. Katrina received the Gates Millennium scholarship and currently attends Drexel University in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Danielle is pursuing a career in culinary arts, which landed her a job to help out financially.
Despite becoming ill in 2014, Kenneth continued to work until his physical strength weakened. Even then, he was always busy, finding things to do and spending more time with Diana and the girls. He was a living example of love, wisdom, humility, courage, patience and joyfulness. “Gone Too Soon” is a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, a brother-in-law, a nephew, and a cousin. Kenneth Bernard Lewis fought a great fight, but transitioned into God’s Kingdom at the age of 59 on Thursday June 8, 2017 at 9 a.m.
He leaves to cherish his memories: Diana, a devoted wife of 35 years; daughters: Katrina and Danielle Lewis; brothers: Melvin, Eugene, and Robert; one sister: Anita Jackson (Lewis); Aunt: Christine Green Smith Griffin, Uncles: Robert, George and Fred Smith; Special cousins: Tasha Fagg Miller, Margaret Fagg, Patricia Taylor Hampton, and Dexter Griffin; mother-in-law: Dorothy McMahon: sister-in-law: Denise McMahon; and brother-in-law: Leroy McMahon of Miami, FL ; a very special nephew: Albert Lewis and wife Sajawea Dejuste ( Lewis) ; extended relatives: Tommy and Gracie Chandler of Jacksonville, FL; long-time companion pet Cinnamon and a host of many relatives and friends.
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During Kenneth’s first few years, he was left in the care of fathers’ aunt Callie Owen Levens of Bainbridge Ga., while his parents’ setup new roots in Miami Florida. More like their own child than a great nephew, Callie and Luther Levens cherished the time they had with Kenneth. Their love and compassion during his formative years helped to shape the man we all loved. Kenneth would often visit his beloved aunt. She would say “When they came to take you to Miami it likened to kill me”. Kenneth remained close to his great aunt and uncle the remainder of their lives.
Kenneth, also known as Ken or Kenny, was no stranger to hard work. He began working at the age of 14 and never stopped. His ability for repairing almost anything was impressive and began during childhood. He learned to master the mechanics of TV’s, radios, bicycles and cars. An instruction manual was not needed. Eventually Kenneth became a master of many trades. He was a plumber, electrician, carpenter, and flooring specialist, among his many talents. His obsession with perfecting his skills resulted in many prosperous opportunities. In the early 90’s, he became the manager at Miami Depot and remained there for 18 years before going into business for himself. His strong work ethic and moral beliefs remained consistent throughout his lifetime and were not only admired by those who employed him, but all that knew him.
Despite the many challenges he faced as a young adult, complaining was not a part of his nature. He was a man of few words but many unspoken endeavors. When his mother passed there was no question about his duty as the eldest son. He did not hesitate to embrace the role of caregiver, provider, and nurturer to his younger siblings. No matter the challenge, it was met with grace, dignity, and his unshakeable faith in God.
In 1976 Kenneth and Diana McMahon met in high school. The chemistry between the two was undeniable. They were married in 1982. The Lewis’s were blessed with two beautiful twin girls April 12, 1996. The couple named the twins using the first letter of their own names; Katrina and Danielle. As a husband and a father he always provided for his family. There was never a doubt about how much Kenneth loved his family. Whenever he had the chance, he would brag about his girls He never asked much of them, but respect and doing well in school were mandatory. Both Katrina and Danielle graduated from high school in 2014. Katrina received the Gates Millennium scholarship and currently attends Drexel University in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Danielle is pursuing a career in culinary arts, which landed her a job to help out financially.
Despite becoming ill in 2014, Kenneth continued to work until his physical strength weakened. Even then, he was always busy, finding things to do and spending more time with Diana and the girls. He was a living example of love, wisdom, humility, courage, patience and joyfulness. “Gone Too Soon” is a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, a brother-in-law, a nephew, and a cousin. Kenneth Bernard Lewis fought a great fight, but transitioned into God’s Kingdom at the age of 59 on Thursday June 8, 2017 at 9 a.m.
He leaves to cherish his memories: Diana, a devoted wife of 35 years; daughters: Katrina and Danielle Lewis; brothers: Melvin, Eugene, and Robert; one sister: Anita Jackson (Lewis); Aunt: Christine Green Smith Griffin, Uncles: Robert, George and Fred Smith; Special cousins: Tasha Fagg Miller, Margaret Fagg, Patricia Taylor Hampton, and Dexter Griffin; mother-in-law: Dorothy McMahon: sister-in-law: Denise McMahon; and brother-in-law: Leroy McMahon of Miami, FL ; a very special nephew: Albert Lewis and wife Sajawea Dejuste ( Lewis) ; extended relatives: Tommy and Gracie Chandler of Jacksonville, FL; long-time companion pet Cinnamon and a host of many relatives and friends.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
23
Jun
2:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Bruton Mortuary
635 Bruton Street
Bainbridge, GA 39819
Service
Saturday
24
Jun
11:00 AM
Nelson Chapel A.M.E. Church
640 Hall St.
Bainbridge, GA 39819
Dr. Gloria Walden, Pastor
Cemetery Details
Location
Flea Town Cemetery
Hester Rd.
Climax, GA 39845
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