Mr. Charlie Lewis, Jr. was born May 17, 1945 to the late Mattie Mae Lewis and John Smith in Alabama.  Charlie was the baby of two children.  His mother moved the family to Fort Pierce, FL, where Charlie received his education.  Later in life, he moved to Detroit, MI to be with his sister and her family.  While living in Detroit, he met, dated and later married the love of his heart, Vera Muriel Bennett, in 1970.  To this marriage three children were born.

Charlie was ordained a Baptist Deacon in 1980 at Mt. Abarim Baptist Missionary Church in Detroit under the leadership of Rev. G. S. Davie.  Later Charlie and the family united with Wings of Love Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. A.E. Jackson, Sr., where he operated many ministries in the church.  Charlie worked many jobs to care for his family.

Charlie had to retire in 2004 due to many health reasons, also being a cancer survivor.  In 2007 Charlie and family moved to Edwardsville, IL.  There they worshipped with Mt. Joy Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Steve Jackson.  In 2010 Charlie and Vera renewed their wedding vows of 40 years.  His body was growing tired and was placed in Caseyville Nursing & Rehab Center in Caseyville, IL.  Charlie was placed on Unity Hospice care due to failing health and in 2018 was moved to Eden Retirement Center in Glen Carbon, IL to be closer to Vera.

On April 15, 2019 Charlie started walking the "Stairways to Heaven" counting each step as a blessing to meet the Lord.

His mother and father preceded him death.

Precious and loving memories of Charlie will remain in each heart of his loved ones: Vera and Michelle of IL, Patrick (Joyce) of IL, DeMario of TX, Rodrick (Paula) of GA; one sister, Mattie Bell Moorer of FL; one aunt, Francis E. Briggs of FL; two sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; grand and great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be 10am to 11am on Friday, April 19, 2019 at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, Maryville, IL.

Funeral service will be at 11am following the visitation with Rev. Steve Jackson officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation and will be received at the funeral home.