Lewis Harold Whitley

He was a supportive and protective husband. He was also a stern father and grandfather. An incredible teacher filled with wise words for anyone who would listen, and a dear friend always prepared with a teasing phrase. Lewis Harold Whitley, a great man carried home October 28, 2018.

Lewis Harold Whitley was born to Ruby Hunt and Wilson Whitley in the small town of Washington, TX on September 6, 1936. He was raised down in the country, by his grandparents, Judge and Della Whitley. Lewis had three brothers, Ray Lee Whitley, Wilson Whitley Jr and Seth Cesline.

Lewis moved to Bakersfield, Ca with his mother and later settled in Pittsburg, CA. There, he met and married the love of his life, high school sweetheart June Whitley on September 15, 1955. Together they had three children, Dion Esta, Tanya Leah and Lewis Kevin Whitley.

The family moved to Las Vegas, NV in 1958 and became members of Second Baptist Church. Lewis spent 20 years working at the Nevada Test Site as a cook. He then dedicated 28 years of service to the Clark County Fire Department as a Fire Hydrant Technician, never once calling in sick to work.

Lewis was a member of the Second Baptist Church hospitality committee and bowling league. He was also an honorary member of the Black Caucus. He enjoyed spending time with his family playing cards, BBQ’ing and travelling. He was also a regular at Jerry’s Nugget placing his daily bets on sports and playing keno. Lewis’ warm, quiet soul balanced June’s fiery spirit. These shining lights are now reunited blazing in love once more.

Lewis was preceded in death by his wife, June Whitley; his grandparents, Judge and Della Whitley; his parents, Ruby Hunt and Wilson Whitley; his brothers, Ray Lee Whitley and Wilson Whitley Jr.; and his daughter, Dion Whitley Simpson. He leaves behind his daughter, Tanya (Stanley) Williams; son, Lewis Kevin (Hilda) Whitley; son-in-law, Rafus (Sheryl) Simpson; six grandchildren Eboni James, Crystal Whitley, Enosha Jackson, Jacque (Dellisa) Williams, Shebora Whitley, Tashi Whitley and honorary grandson Blake Williams; ten great-grandchildren, all of Las Vegas, NV; and a host of extended family and life-long friends.