William Lewis

Chief Master Sergeant (retired) William Bill Lewis, 89, passed away peacefully in Albuquerque, NM on Thursday, August 6, 2015. Bill was born on November 9, 1925 in Wildersville, Tennessee to Grover Hart and Ada Lee Lewis. Bill served honorably in the United States Air Force for almost 24 years, including two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was quick to recall the many experiences he had in the military, especially during the period he was stationed at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in the late 1960's. After his retirement in 1971, he attended the University of New Mexico and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. He then went on to teach math, computer programming and accounting at the Albuquerque Technical/Vocational Institute for several years. One of his students during that period was a young man named Bill Gates who studied programming under Bill's tutelage. Bill was active in many Masonic organizations. He was a Past Master of Temple Lodge #6 A.F. & A.M., a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, York Rite, Ballut Abyad Shrine, National Sojourners, and Heroes of '76. He especially enjoyed participating in the flag building programs that were performed in many schools in New Mexico and Arizona. Bill loved presenting achievement medals to ROTC cadets at local high schools. Bill was a Past Patron of Adah Chapter #5 OES and served as a Worthy Patron 8 times. He will be missed greatly in the Masonic community. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother Elmer Ray Lewis, sisters Evelena Eads and Ann Davenport. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Glinda Lewis, son Teddy Lewis and wife Kathi, daughter Debora Pruitt, sisters Lettie Grace Bell, Martha Wilson, Sarah Lindsey, Lennie Ruth Maness, brothers Jack Lewis, John Lewis, Charles Lewis and Bobby Lewis, 5 grand-children, Autumn Stowers, Cassie Pruitt, Jessica Keys, Christopher & Maggie Hutchison and 7 great-grandchildren. Bill will be laid to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Memorial services with full military honors will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 10:30 am at Temple Lodge #6, 3801 Osuna NE, Albuquerque, NM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Chapter of New Mexico (OES) Education Fund care of Debbie Davis, Grand Secretary, P.O. Box 6206, Roswell, NM 88202-6206.