On Friday, August 16, 2024, Harry O'Neal Lewis, Sr. , 81, of Spotsylvania, Virginia, entered into eternal rest at home after a long illness. Harry, known as "Billy," was born on Thursday, October 8, 1942 to the late Frank Lewis and Callie Estelle Coleman Lewis.

Billy was attended John J. Wright Public School in Spotsylvania, VA. Billy joined Beulah Baptist Church at an early age and remained an active in the church until his health began to fail. He was an usher at Beulah Baptist Church for many years. The usher ministry was a role that he really enjoyed.

As a youngster, Billy had a curiosity for how things worked. He would disassemble and reassemble various items that came into his possession. This curiosity provided him the skills to repair just about anything. For example, he dabbled in automotive repair, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, welding, and tree cutting. Later in life, one of his favorite shows was "How It's Made."

On October 5, 1974, Billy married Mirl Yvonne Hicks of Steelton, Pennsylvania. While there in Pennsylvania, he worked for Firestone making recap tires. Eventually, Billy and Mirl moved back to Spotsylvania County to start their family.

Billy worked many jobs and learned many skills as a result. Just to name a few jobs, he worked at a sawmill, for CC Beck Lumber Company, worked on the Virginia gas pipeline, and worked with the construction of I-95. Billy's last employer, before retiring, was Spotsylvania County Utilities Department. He was also a volunteer firefighter with Fire Company/Rescue Station 3 in Partlow, VA.

Billy enjoyed life. He wanted others around him to enjoy life as well. Billy did not need any introduction, because by reputation, he had the biggest smile and loudest laugh. For family reunions, cookouts, or fund raisers, Billy could be found frying fish. There was always a crowd around him waiting for the fish to be served. As a hobby, Billy loved to go fishing in his boat with family and friends.

Billy was the Lewis family patriarch, a role in which he cherished. He was also a servant that would help you if he could.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Callie Lewis; wife, Mirl Hicks Lewis; son, Corey Lewis; brothers, James "Putt," Franklin "Thomas," Marvin "Joe," and Charles Henry; sisters, Margaree Fox, Virginia Lewis, Rosie Raby, and Catherin Reaves.

Billy was loved by everyone who knew him and he will be missed. Billy's memory and legacy will be carried on by his children, Harry Jr. "PeeWee" (Ashley), Yvonne "Vonnie" (Jack), and Aaron; sisters, Ruby Brown, Geneva Lewis, and Carolyn Chew; brother-in-law, Leon Hicks (Brenda) of Steelton, Pennsylvania; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; special friend, Freddie Braswell; beloved pet dog, Petey; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins;and a host of other relatives, and friends.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 1:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. The interment will follow at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery in Woodford, VA.