Alfred Ray Lewis

Alfred Ray "Rico" Lewis was born on March 12, 1939 in Hamshire, Texas (Jefferson County) one of eleven children born to the late Andrew & Beulah Lewis. Alfred grew up on a farm where he had free reign of God's country. After the death of his father, the family relocated to Houston, Texas. Alfred graduated from Jack Yates High School where he loved and played the sport of football. Immediately after graduation Alfred enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. While serving in Okinawa, Japan, Alfred met and started a courtship with a charming young Japanese girl named Aiko Arakaki. They joined in matrimony in October, 1966 and were blessed with three handsome sons: Rico, Ramos and Juan. He served his country honorably for over 30 years and attained the rank of Gunnery Sergeant (GYSGT) before retiring. After retiring from the Marine Corps, Alfred "Rico" as he was affectionately known to his military family and close friends, began driving tour buses which he enjoyed immensely. His first job was with a Chinese company named Shangri La. He continued his love for driving when he returned to Houston and began working for Carrington Tours. Rico was later employed by the Aldine School System driving the "yellow bus" as he fondly referred to the school bus. He continued his bus driving career there until he retired in late 2013. Alfred found himself in the position of a single parent after the death of his wife. Rico had a deep love for his family but especially his three boys. He was very proud of them and his grandchildren. He often stressed that he regretted he didn't get to spend as much time with them as he would have liked. On July 6, 2014 he and his long-time friend Connie Paggett Mallory were united in marriage. As a result of this union, Rico gained three stepchildren: Gabrielle, Samantha and Bruce who loved him dearly. Alfred was reared in a Christian home and was introduced to the teachings of Jesus Christ at an early age. However as he began to travel the world in the Marine Corps and became exposed to different lifestyles, he began to stray from those teachings (as many of us have done at some point in our lives). It was not until he returned home to Houston, that he rekindled his relationship with God and acknowledged his love of Christ. He joined Greater Faith Baptist Church where he remained a devoted member until his Lord called him home. Deacon Lewis truly loved His Church, His Pastor and His Church Family but above all he truly loved His God. He was involved in several ministries and on Saturday you could find him, along with the brotherhood, on his John Deere, mowing the church lawn...the very purpose for which he purchased the mower. His ministry did not stop there. He served as deacon and later became head deacon...a job which he took very seriously. He also served as trustee. He visited the local jails and prisons on Wednesdays as part of the brotherhood ministry. Rico rarely missed a Sunday and if he did you knew he was ill and that, sometimes didn't even stop him. He was not a man of many words, quiet and very reserved, but he would catch on fire for the Lord, always testifying of how the Lord delivered him. Alfred was many things to many people: a husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend. But what he loved to be known as more than anything, was a redeemed child of God. On the peaceful morning of April 29, Gabriel sounded his trumpet and the lord dispatched his angels to bring his son...Alfred "Rico" Ray Lewis...home. Those waiting at Heaven's gate are: his parents, Beulah & Andrew Lewis; Aiko, his beloved wife and mother of his children; seven brothers and one sister. Continuing to cherish his memory and celebrate his life until that day when we too will be welcomed at the gate and become a part of the great reunion are: his wife, Connie; his sons: Rico (Lisa), Juan (Monica) and Ramos all of Houston, Texas; siblings: Wallace Lewis and Eula James; three stepchildren: Gabrielle (Joshua), San Diego, California; Samantha (Patrick), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Bruce Nashville, Tennessee; and Tina, his daughter-in law. Loving him and wishing there was more time are: nine grandchildren...Paige, Corey, Christian, Brandon, Bayli, Brooke, Jayda, Jozlyn and Joshua; three very special nieces...Robyn, Joyce and Angel; and a very special nephew, Danny. Missing his presence are his sisters and brothers-in law; many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Also lost without him is his furry companion "Beau."