Lewis was born in Centerville, IA to Howard Eugene Gray and Maxine Oleta Lewis. After graduating High School, Lewis joined the United States Army where he served 2 tours in Vietnam and Korea and received 2 Purple Hearts and 2 Bronze Stars along with multiple other medals throughout his career. Lewis was a proud member of the 101st and 172nd Airborne Divisions. After serving his country proudly, Lewis retired and began a new career at the United States Postal Service. Lewis also served multiple positions at the American Legion Post 137 and was a member of the Color Guard.
Lewis was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Ann Atkins (Gray) and his daughter Cynthia Carol Hecht. He leaves behind three children, Howard Michael Gray, Gina Suzanne Gray (Michelle Lynn Barrett) and Kathryn Marie Middleton (Shaune Timothy Middleton) as well as 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
A graveside service with military honors will be held January 9th, 2026 at 10:30 am at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218. Please report to Lane 1 around 10:15 am.
