Obituary

Joe L. Lewis, Sr.

January 19, 1951 - May 15, 2025

“As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.”           2 Timothy 4:6-7

Joe L. Lewis, Sr. was born on January 19, 1951, in Varnado, Louisiana, to the late Emmanuel and Tessie Lewis and the late Joseph Morris. He was the fourth child of eight children. He departed this life on May 15, 2025, at the age of 74. 

Joe L., as he was lovingly called, graduated from Wesley Ray High School in 1969. He went on to work for years and retired from Gaylord Container Corporation (formerly known as the Bogalusa Paper Mill). He also worked for a brief time at B.B. Sixty Rayburn Correctional Center. 

Joe L. accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful, long-term member of Mary’s Chapel United Methodist Church, where he was Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He loved to sing in the choir and was a founding member of the Varnado Men’s Choir. Joe L. was a beloved member of his community, known for his strength of character, warm heart, and enduring dedication to those he loved. He was a Mason, a member of the NAACP, a Concerned Citizens Board Member, and a Little League Baseball Coach. 

During his childhood, he was an active participant in baseball and basketball (his two favorite sports), always bringing energy, joy, and dedication to everything he did. His love for baseball followed him through adulthood, where he coached boys’ Little League for years. He also loved fishing and taking his grandchildren out on his boat every chance he could. 

He leaves to cherish his memories, his beloved wife, Carolyn Lewis of 54 years; two sons, Ronald (Tamara) Lewis of Atlanta, Ga, Joe (Rhonda) Lewis, Jr., of Dallas, TX; one daughter, Tiphanie Lewis of Varnado, LA; five sisters, Annie Mae (Earl) Robinson, Clementine Nichols, Linder Dillon, Candaise Harry all of Varnado, LA, and Sharon Lewis of Los Angeles California, five grandchildren; Damion Lewis, Taylor Lewis, Lauren Lewis, Jamari Lewis, and Evan Lewis; several in-laws, Bernard and Doris Harry, Linda Jefferson, Marshall and Norvis Jefferson, Michelle Blackburn, Rodrick and Benita Jefferson, and the late Oscar Jefferson and the late James Craig Jefferson; four godchildren, Bendrick Spikes, Aaron Lewis, Erica Fadel, and Nicholas Blackburn, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends all of whom were proud to call him husband, dad, brother, pawpaw, uncle, and friend. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmanuel and Tessie Lewis, and Joseph Morris; his twin brother, John L. Lewis; one sister, Ola Mae Robinson; and a special nephew, Corey Harry.  Though he is no longer with us in body, his spirit remains ever-present—in the strength of his family, in the traditions he cherished, and in the love that binds our family together.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 3:00PM – 6:00PM with a family hour from 4:00PM – 5:00PM.

A visitation will on Friday, May 23, 2025 from 9:00AM – 11:00AM followed by the funeral service at 11:0AM at Mary's Chapel United Methodist Church 63343 Jones Creek Road Angie, Louisiana 70426 with Rev. Earl Robinson – Officiating. Interment – Jefferson Cemetery. 

Crain and Sons Funeral Home – Bogalusa are in charge of arrangements.