Alfred Miles Lewis

The service may be viewed at centralbaymarket.com. The service password is Alfred7162. The virtual room will open 15 minutes prior to the scheduled service start time and will close approximately 5 minutes after the service is concluded. Please note that the start of the live webcast will begin when the actual service begins. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that contributions to St. Paul United Methodist Church be considered instead. That address is 1199 Highland Avenue, Largo, FL, 33755.

Alfred Miles Lewis ("Al") was a modest man, quiet and observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was also, a man who was meticulous, carefully disciplined and orderly in virtually everything he undertook.

Al was born on July 19, 1932 at his family's home place in Alberta, VA. His parents were Marvin & Louise Lewis. Alfred was raised in Brunswick County, VA. He was brought up to be self-confident and dependable. These were traits that would serve him well throughout his life. As a young child, Al was never someone who needed to be the center of attention. Alfred developed a variety of interests, though and the things he enjoyed doing he did well. Al hunted small game from childhood on. His past-times included hunting, fishing and exploring. Al was a "dog whisperer" as a child. Sambo, a dog, was a mascot on a B17 bomber during WW2. After the war, Sambo returned home and was gifted to Al by his prior owner. Al was the only person the dog trusted. Sambo wore sunglasses and rode in the basket on Al's bicycle everywhere Al went. By 15 y/o, Al entered the work force early. He had a milk delivery route. He also worked pulling tobacco on local farms. Alfred graduated from Lawrenceville High School. He tried to enlist at 17 y/o in the USAF, but was caught mispresenting his age. He reluctantly waited and enlisted at 18 y/o. He served 4 years in the USAF and then got married. After getting married, he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Richmond Professional Institute (NKA Virginia Commonwealth University). Focusing on marriage and starting a family were then his immediate priorities.

Always considered to be a solid friend, Al was fortunate to have numerous acquaintances and several very close friends during his life. He was committed to his friends and valued the trust he placed in them. It was not uncommon for Al to go beyond the call of duty for others and friends. Jimmy Crichton, Bobby Abernathy, Evelyn Lambert; Ollie Poythress, Cloud Abernathy were a few of his close childhood friends. Jimmy Crichton was like a brother to Al, as he was to Jimmy. Jimmy was even at the hospital with Al during the birth of Al's first child, Janice. On June 10, 1956, Al exchanged wedding vows with Patricia Janice Moore at Lawrenceville United Methodist Church of Lawrenceville, VA. Compassionate and devoted to Patricia ("Pat"), Al held endearing, traditional values about marriage and family life. He took the responsibility of marriage to heart, giving it his total commitment. He was a source of strength to Pat. He was even the primary caregiver of Pat's during her battle with renal failure. Al brought the same traditional values in his marriage to bear on how he raised his children. He was a good parent to them, always supportive. He would always listen carefully and think things through before he acted, even when it was an adverse situation. Al was blessed with two children; one daughter, Janice Feldt (son-in-law, Chuck Feldt) and one son, Christopher Lewis (daughter-in-law, Carol Lewis). They were also blessed with four grandchildren (plus spouses), who include Faith McHale (husband, Tracey), Charlie Feldt, Maggie Printz (husband, Gary), and Emily Lewis. Al greatly enjoyed what he did for a living. He was a hard worker who expected the same in return from his co-workers. Al was always able to attend to the task at hand, was excellent at meeting deadlines. He was an efficient worker, one who paid careful attention to detail, allowing sufficient time to complete one task before moving on to the next. He worked in the casualty insurance industry. He was employed by AEtna Life & Casualty his entire professional career. He was an Underwriter and when he retired, he was Assistant Vice President of Underwriting.

Al was an Air Force veteran. He served during the Korean War. He was stationed at the 575th Motor Vehicle Squadron, Selfridge AFB, Michigan. He spent 3 years at Royal Air Force, Burtonwood, England. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of A/1C (P). He received praise for his valor, including being awarded National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. A literal thinker who possessed a calm exterior, Al seemed to enjoy the routines set forth by the military. His results-oriented approach to things made him committed to the job and he understood well his role in serving his country.

Al was what is now referred to as a "gearhead". He loved working on automobiles. He did this not only for himself, but for extended family and friends. When he was younger, he loved hunting for rabbits and small game with his Beagle, "Jill". He was a loyal Tampa Bay Bucs fan. In their younger years, he and Pat loved square-dancing. They also, enjoyed researching genealogy, long before Ancestory.com was even created. He loved being with his family and extended family/grandchildren. He and Pat loved going to their local restaurant every morning, Largo Family Restaurant. Al and Pat were usually always seen together; it was very rare to see them without each other in public. Al found pleasure in sports. He would watch his favorite sporting events whenever he got the opportunity, which included football and local baseball. Al was a man who was dedicated and devoted to his faith. He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Largo, FL since 1966. He served on multiple church leadership committees at St. Paul UMC. He was a sympathetic man who valued his beliefs and was willing to work tirelessly for them.

Al sought out practical solutions, not individual recognition. He was always grounded and objective, feeling a strong sense of responsibility for taking care of what needed to be done. This selfless attitude earned Al many accolades for his efforts and achievements. Al enjoyed traveling and taking vacations. Al and Pat enjoyed traveling throughout the SE United States including cities such as Nashville and Savannah. But most of their yearly destinations were to visit their families in Virginia. Al was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Al cherished the memories of Jill (a Beagle dog), Sandy and Patches (purebred "mutts"). When Al’s retirement finally arrived in 1992, he was well prepared. He retired in Clearwater, FL. His priority in life was being with his children and grandchildren as a devoted father and grandfather. Even in retirement, Al continued to stay in touch with his old friends.

Alfred Miles Lewis passed away on July 6, 2020 at home, holding his children's hands, in Clearwater, FL. He fought a brave battle against dementia. He is survived by his children: Janice Feldt (husband, Chuck) and Christopher Lewis (wife, Carol); grandchildren, Faith McHale (husband, Tracey), Charlie Feldt, Maggie Printz (husband, Gary) and Emily Lewis. The service is being held at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park & Cemetery, in Clearwater, FL. Commitment is a key word that can be used to describe the life of Alfred Miles Lewis. Most of all, he was committed to God and his family.