William Andrew Lewis, Sr., lovingly known as “Bill,” passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the age of 80. He was born on September 27, 1945, in Newport, the son of Virgil Andrew and Sarah Faye (Jackson) Lewis.
Bill graduated from Newport High School in 1963 and later earned a degree from Arkansas State University. He began his career teaching Graphic Arts in the Newport school system before dedicating himself full-time to the United States military. A true patriot, Bill served in the Arkansas Army National Guard and the United States Army for over 39 years. He was proud to have served his country in Egypt under Operation Noble Eagle. Bill was viewed as not only a soldier and a friend, but a mentor among his men.
After his final retirement, Bill became a skilled craftsman and cabinet maker, taking great pride in every piece he created. A jack of all trades, he was a creative artist, musician, and craftsman…there was nothing he could not fix.
Bill was a member of the First United Methodist Church, spending many years serving others by dedicating his time and energy to the Wardell Pennington Food Pantry.
Bill was full of life and full of fun. He loved riding his Harley Davidson, traveling in his RV, playing the bass guitar, and mowing. The roar of a motorcycle engine was music to his ears, and the open road a canvas for his adventures. Bill had an obsession with chocolate of any sort and loved touting his “Famous Secret Bill Lewis Pumpkin Pie Recipe.”
If you knew Bill, then you also knew his wife, Donna. They were married for nearly 59 years and built a wonderful life together in their hometown of Newport, where they raised their two children. Among all the things he enjoyed in life, nothing brought him more joy than his family and being called “Pop.”
Bill lived a life defined by honor, devotion, and a steadfast commitment to family, community, and his country. He was the kind of man who showed up, every time, for every person who mattered to him. His quiet strength, quick wit, and gentle wisdom were constants to those around him. To his family, he was more than a husband, father or grandfather; he was a confidant, a quiet teacher, and a trusted friend. His warmth, his stories, and his steady presence will continue to guide those who loved him.
His life was full, his relationships rich, and his impact profound. Bill will be deeply missed and forever remembered by family, friends, and the many other lives he touched with his warmth, wisdom, and unwavering kindness.
Pop leaves behind his favorite magic trick to all of his great-grandchildren….Inny Menny chilli bini the spirits are about to speak…Shazam!!!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil Andrew Lewis and Sarah Faye (Jackson) Lewis, and an infant brother.
Bill is survived by his wife of 59 years, Donna (Carr) Lewis of the home; one son, William “Bill” Lewis, Jr., and wife, Tanya, of Newport; one daughter, Rhonda Lewis Bell and husband, Bubba, of Newport, five grandchildren, Natalie Hutchinson Jones and husband, Derek, Bubba Hutchinson and wife, Bri, John Lewis Hutchinson and wife, Madison, Bill Lewis III, and Jennifer Lewis Worthington and husband, Lynn; his great-grandchildren, John Jaxson, Jakob Camp, Bella Brooke, Hazel Rose, Briar Rhodes, Jett Lewis, Hatcher Lee, Aiden Holman, Austin Holman, Millie Rogers, Scarlett Lewis, Barrett Lewis, and Kadence Walker; cousins, Rog Rogers, Barbara Jo Hoover, Jimmy Lillard, and Carol Jean; and a lifetime of friends.
Friends may visit at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home, Thursday, December 11, from 9:00-9:40 a.m. Graveside services will follow at Walnut Grove Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. Thursday.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are John Jaxon Hutchinson, Bubba Hutchinson, John Lewis Hutchinson, Derek Jones, Bill Lewis, III, and Bubba Bell. Honorary pallbearers are Tommy Thomas, Larry Doyle, Richard Lipe, Delbert Coburn, RJ Jerry Brown, Clay Young, Vincent Thomas, Jerry Ratliffe, and members of the Heavy Mortar Platoon of the Second Battalion of the 153rd Infantry, as well as Jerry Inkelbarger, Randal Carr, Zendal Raney, Norman Elston, Steve Fellenz, Ricky Camp, Doug Gentry, Jerome George, Phillip Herring, Marcus Grady, Kenneth Grady, Doug Greeno, Ronnie “Poncho” Smotherman, and Golden Fulbright.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
