Julian Ray Lewis

Julian Ray Lewis, 90, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away October 30, 2021. Julian was born on July 17, 1931 to Ernest and Creola Lewis in Arkansas City, Kansas.

Julian grew up in Griffin, GA as the 1st born of 5 siblings. On August 22, 1950, Julian joined the United States Air Force to become a pilot. Julian “Lew” Lewis proudly served his country as a Fighter Pilot, flying 251 missions in the F-4 Phantom during the Vietnam War. During his military service, Julian was the recipient of many awards, to include the Silver and Bronze Stars and retired as Lt. Colonel on July 1, 1978. Julian loved wandering the desert and spending time camping on the Black River with his three sons. He loved watching the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels air shows with his family. Julian enjoyed entertaining and preparing food for others, especially his “world famous” Bourbon Pecan Pies. He loved telling his many stories with great passion and animation, recounting his accomplishments and adventures during his 90 years on earth. Julian wrote three books; From Farm to Flight, Georgia on my Mind and Vietnam Journal 1967. He self published these books with guidance and assistance from his grandson, Connor. For that we are eternally grateful. To know Julian, you knew for certain that he loved his country, he was a true patriot and war hero. To know Julian Ray Lewis, you were blessed.

Julian is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest & Creola Lewis; his brothers, Forrest and Manley Lewis; and his 2nd wife, Marcia Lewis.

Survivors include his sons, Ernie Lewis (Michelle); Eddie Lewis (Cindy); and Everett Lewis. Grandchildren, Dillon Lewis; Erin Maisch; Connor Cleland; April Anderson (Cody); Emily Thomas; Mollye Tolbert (Tate) and Great Granddaughter, Caroline Tolbert. Brother, Milton Lewis (Jeanette) and sister, Tina Lewis. Also surviving is his 1st wife and mother of his children, Cathy Lewis. Step-children, Chris Cleland (Lori); Lisa Cleland; Cory Cleland. Step-grandchildren, Charlie Walsh, Sammy Godman, Caden Cleland and Montana Cleland. His last love and companion, Claire Hostettler & her daughters, Michelle Landrum, Justine Cox (Greg) & Celeste Bumpus (Dane); along with many friends and family.

The family would like to thank Banner Thunderbird Medical Center for their exceptional care, during Julian’s brief stay, especially Dr. Zachary, his Charge Nurse Monica, and his nurses, Brittne and Rael. A Memorial Service organized by the family will be held at Anthem Veteran Memorial Park, located at 41703 North Gavilan Peak Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85086 on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 2:30 pm. Prayer will be led by Matt Augee and the Eulogy will be offered by Julian’s close friend, Jim Dainty.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to TunnelToTowers.org, WoundedWarriorProject.org, and baseONEfoundation.org