Gilroy Edward Lewis, Sr.

Gilroy E. Lewis, Sr., 86, passed away on Sunday, August 14, 2016. He was born in Belize, Central America and was a resident of Newport News. At the age of 17, Mr. Lewis enlisted in the British Honduras Volunteer Guard and spent close to 33 years in various capacities, ending his service as Major Gilroy Lewis, MBE. During that time he was decorated over and again to include, Member of the British Empire, Military Division; Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth Silver Jubilee Medal and Two Clasps to the Efficiency Decoration.

Aside from his parents, the late Alfred Lewis and Iris Cattouse Lewis, Gilroy was preceded in rest by his daughter, Monica Godfrey-Lewis.

He is survived by his spouse of almost 59 years, Jean E. Lewis; 3 sons, Gilroy E. Lewis, Jr., Patrick T. Lewis, Sr., and Richard C. Lewis; 2 daughters, Anna M. Menzies-Lewis and Christine I. Lewis; grandchildren, Ninfa Palmer, Shayne Godfrey, Edward, Gilroy and Brittney Lewis, Eddie, Andrew and Daniel Menzies, Michelle, Melissa Classen and Patrick Lewis, Ashley Lewis and Kyle Lewis; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Lindberg C. Lewis; sisters, Sylvia Pollard and Barbara Lewis.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, Saturday, August 27, 2016 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A celebration of Gilroy’s life will follow at 2:00 pm and interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News.