Robert A. Lewis Obituary (1945 - 2023)

Robert A. "Bob" Lewis, 78, of Flora, Illinois passed away peacefully at 1:08 am, Saturday, June 24, 2023, at his home in Flora surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born on May 17, 1945, in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Aaron Washington and Eula Marie (Grahn) Lewis. He married Althea Mae Guinn on April 3, 2004, in the First Church of God in Flora and they shared 7 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on October 24, 2011. A proud veteran of the Vietnam War era, Bob served in the US Navy as a Deckhand on the USS Lasalle from 1963 to 1967. He was very proud of his time spent in the Navy and always spoke fondly of his service. Bob led a life that was filled with love, laughter and joy. He worked hard as a truck driver for Trans State Express for many years before he owned and operated his own trucking company called RAL Trucking. Later on, he worked as a supervisor for the City of Flora before retiring. Then the last few years, just to have something to do he delivered parts for BG Distributors in Louisville until he was no longer able. Throughout his career, Bob earned many accolades for his dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence. In his free time, Bob loved watching Cardinals baseball games and Kentucky Wildcats games. He was also a big supporter of Flora Wolves games too! Additionally, he became an umpire for both baseball and softball sports as it is one of the things he enjoyed doing outside of work. Bob never met a stranger; he loved talking and helping anyone who needed it. He also made it a point to attend any events that his kids or grandkids participated in. Bob's family and friends will always remember him as a person who touched their lives with his charming personality, kind-heartedness and selflessness. His love for his country, his passion for sports and his dedication to his family will continue to inspire those who knew him. Bob's memory will forever remain in the hearts of all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He is survived by children: Lynn (Chris) Rhodes of Shelbyville, Illinois, Julie (Chris) Kamp of Flora and JR (Julie) Lewis of Flora; stepdaughters Angie Davis of Edgewood and Cindy (Rusty) Waters of Flora; nineteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren with one more on the way in August. He also leaves behind sisters: Melody McMillan of Cuba, Illinois, Becky Lewis of Bible Grove along with a brother: Leon Lewis of Fox Lake, Illinois along with many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law Jack McMillan; paternal father and mother-in-law; and one grandchild along with his best friend Yogi. Funeral services to celebrate Bob's life will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, June 29, 2023 at the McGriff Funeral Home in Flora with Mike Elliott officiating. Burial will follow with military graveside honors at the Bible Grove Cemetery, Bible Grove. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening at the McGriff Funeral Home in Flora where friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bob's memory to the Clay County Cancer Crusaders. To sign the guestbook online or share a memory of Bob, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com. Visitation Wednesday, June 28, 2023 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM 500 W 12th St Flora, Illinois 62839 Funeral Service Thursday, June 29, 2023 10:30 AM 500 W 12th St Flora, Illinois 62839 Services 500 W 12th St Flora,Illinois 62839 United States