Besley A. Lewis Jr. was born on November 29, 1941, in Fresno, CA, and croaked peacefully at home on February 8, 2025. He lived a full and vibrant life, retiring not once, not twice, but three times—first in 1981 from Lewis Insurance, again in 2001 from The Stardust Room, and finally from Lisle Funeral Home. He also had a brief but beloved tenure as a substitute teacher with Fresno Unified School District, which brought him great joy. Throughout his life, Besley was deeply involved in many organizations that shaped both his and MaryAnn’s journey. He was a proud member of Belmont Christian Church, Fresno High Senate, Fresno State’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, Fresno Y’s Men’s Club, Fresno 20-30 Club, Fresno Elks Lodge #439, Fresno Quarterback Club, North Fresno/Fig Garden Rotary, and the Big Fresno Fair, where he served two terms and over 12 years on the Board of Directors.
Besley was preceded in death by his parents, Bes and June Lewis; his beloved wife, MaryAnn; his son, Christopher; and his granddaughter, Kristine. He is survived by his son, Nick Lewis; his daughter, Michele “Shelly” Randel, and her husband, “Super Dave”; grandchildren, Bryan Lewis, Riley Randel, and Marley Randel; two great-grandchildren; his brother, Terry Sherman Lewis, and wife, Jeannie; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends who became family.
Memorial Service will be held at a later date at the Joseph Chapel at Dinkey Creek.
For those wishing to honor his memory, “cool dudes” are encouraged to place a bet at the craps table at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. Otherwise, he’d appreciate an extra tithe to your church, temple, or mosque.
As the great “immorality” philosopher Pope Isaac Sanchez II once said, “If this is the worst thing that happens, I’ll be happy.”
With Gassho,
Kingfish
