William R. "Bill" Lewis, Jr.

November 15, 1937-April 11, 2022.

William Richmond "Bill" Lewis, Jr., of Sikeston, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 11, 2022, at the age of 84.

Born and bred in Sikeston, he loved Southeast Missouri and called it home. He was a graduate of Sikeston High school-the class of 1955. In addition to playing other sports, he was proud to be a player on the undefeated Big '8' Championship Bulldogs football team, which was 'bigger than Elvis!' or so he said, at the time. He enjoyed attending Mizzou and Ole Miss and became a member of the Missouri National Guard, active duty and the reserves.

Bill carried on the tradition of working on his family's farm, as well as on a property he purchased in Stoddard County, until his retirement. He was active in local and state politics from the sixties to eighties and was the Deputy Director of Agriculture under Governor Teasdale. Bill was an active member of the Sikeston Jaycees, a member of the First Christian Church and other local clubs. He enjoyed travel and spent many winters in Mexico and visited his kids in Hawaii and Australia.

He had many friends throughout his life and will be remembered by many for his sense of humour and individuality.

He is survived by his daughter Meredith Jane and son-in-law John MacAulay of Sydney, Australia, two sisters, Martha Jane Boyer of Sikeston and Janet Riddle of Webster Groves. He also has two nieces and three nephews and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his son, William Richmond 'Rich' Lewis, III, his mother, Thelma Jane McCarver Lewis, and his father, William Richmond Lewis, Sr.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until the funeral hour at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, April 28, 2022, at the First Christian Church, 1006 North Main, Sikeston, MO 63801.

Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery at Sikeston under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Sikeston.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com

Memorial Contributions may be sent to the YMCA of Southeast Missouri Memorial Fund, 511 Taylor Street, Sikeston, MO 63801