Virgil Lewis

Angeles, CA. He was an enrolled member of the Akimel O’odham (Pima) tribe, from the Gila

River Community, Indian Reservation in Arizona. He was a beloved husband, father, Pop-pop,

son, uncle, friend, brother in Christ, pastor, and a child of the Most High God.

Virgil was raised by his mother and step-father Jose V. Ortiz, in East L.A. and attended Ford

Elementary, Griffith Jr. High School and graduated from Garfield High school, Class of 1986.

Music was his passion. He would go on to play many instruments, but his forte was percussion.

He played in the marching band at Garfield H.S. He also played in the LAUSD All City Band that

marched in the Rose Parade and attended the 100th Coca-Cola anniversary in Atlanta, GA.

While in All City Band in 1985, he met his wife Tammy Willmond who attended another high

school. They married on June 24, 1987 and began their family. He encouraged his children to

sing and play instruments. He taught them guitar, bass guitar and drums. He loved it most when

he sang and played with them.

After graduating high school, Virgil worked at Garfield H.S with the marching band, drumline

section, under the direction of Harold Manyweather. Through the years he worked at other

schools including John C. Fremont H.S, Benjamin Franklin H.S., Luther Burbank Jr High. He

also worked for LAUSD All City Band for many years, he eventually became the percussion

instructor that would give the best, clean, crisp sound that could not be duplicated. He sacrificed

so much of his time to help motivate and advance his students. He took many to their first

drumline competitions where they won their first championship or placed in a high ranking. He

was cherished by many of his students and admired for his work by many of his associates.

Virgil gave his life to the Lord in 1987 at Indian Revival Center in Bell Gardens CA. He later

attended Highland Park Full Gospel Assembly in Los Angeles, CA. where he was part of the

worship group. In his walk as a child of God, he had some challenges and made some choices

that left him scarred. He was always thankful for a perfect Savior and the grace of God that

covered all his faults and failures. He often said “without the prayers of my wife, mother in law

and the church I don’t know if I would ve made it through those dark valleys.”

In 2010 he started working as a newspaper carrier for the Daily Press in Victorville CA . Over 11

years he covered areas in Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley and Barstow. He gave the best

service to his customers and many enjoyed having him as their “Newspaper boy”. He served the

Jess Ranch/Sun City community the longest and they always showed him their appreciation. He

became well acquainted with many residents who he called friends.

Virgil ministered in music at Footprints Ministry & Mens Home, in Hesperia, with Frank

Palomino. He held bible studies and church services with the Men’s Home. By this time, he had

transitioned to guitar and playing keyboard. Virgil was often invited to sing with other ministries

as well. In 2012 Virgil was invited by Pastor Dan Vaughn to join the worship team at Grace

Baptist Church in Hesperia. He enjoyed the many brethren at Grace that showed so much love

to his wife Tammy and him.

In 2014, as God continued to lead him, he came to know Pastor Ben Perea at Living Water

Faith Center II, in Hesperia. Pastor Ben became a good friend and mentor. Virgil not only led

worship at LWFCII, he also sang outside the Grange Hall in Hesperia, as Pastor Ben led their

monthly food giveaway. He filled in when Pastor Ben became ill. After Pastor Ben passed away

in 2018, Virgil remained faithful to the ministry and continued to serve as worship leader until

2019 when he was asked to step in as pastor. Regardless of his occupation or any title he held,

Virgil would always be noted for his friendliness, kindness and sense of humor.

Virgil entered the gates of heaven to meet his LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 30,

2022. He is preceded in death by his father and step-father. His godly heritage will be carried

and shared by us all. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 34 years; Tammy, children

Martha, Mark Joshua, Sarah, Felicia and Victoria. 8 grandbabies, mother; Dolores Gilbuena

Lewis, 3 sisters; Bertha Ortiz, Perla Fuentes, Rosa Martinez, nieces, nephews, cousins and

many friends.