Robert "Bob" Lewis of Flora

Robert A. "Bob" Lewis, 78, of Flora, Illinois passed away peacefully at 1:08 am, Saturday, June 24, 2023, at his home in Flora surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services to celebrate Bob's life will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, June 29 at the McGriff Funeral Home in Flora with Mike Elliott officiating. Burial will follow with military graveside honors at the Bible Grove Cemetery, Bible Grove. Visitation will be held Wednesday at the McGriff Funeral Home in Flora where friends may call from 5-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bob's memory to the Clay County Cancer Crusaders. Online condelcnes may be left by clicking here. www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com

Bob was born May 17, 1945, in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Aaron Washington and Eula Marie (Grahn) Lewis. He married Althea Mae Guinn April 3, 2004, in the First Church of God in Flora and they shared seven years of marriage before she preceded him in death October 24, 2011. 
A proud veteran of the Vietnam War era, Bob served in the US Navy as a Deckhand on the USS Lasalle from 1963 to 1967. He was very proud of his time spent in the Navy and always spoke fondly of his service.

Bob led a life that was filled with love, laughter and joy. He worked hard as a truck driver for Trans State Express for many years before he owned and operated his own trucking company called RAL Trucking. Later on, he worked as a supervisor for the City of Flora before retiring. Throughout his career, Bob earned many accolades for his dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence.

In his free time, Bob loved watching Cardinals baseball games and Kentucky Wildcats games. He was also a big supporter of Flora Wolves games too! Additionally, he became an umpire for both baseball and softball sports as it is one of the things he enjoyed doing outside of work. Bob never met a stranger; he loved talking and helping anyone who needed it. He also made it apoint to attend any events that his kids or grandkids participated in.

Bob's family and friends will always remember him as a person who touched their lives with his charming personality, kind-heartedness and selflessness. His love for his country, his passion for sports and his dedication to his family will continue to inspire those who knew him. Bob's memory will forever remain in the hearts of all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He is survived by children, Lynn (Chris) Rhodes of Shelbyville, Illinois, Julie (Chris) Kamp of Flora and JR (Julie) Lewis of Flora; stepdaughters, Angie Davis of Edgewood and Cindy (Rusty) Waters of Flora; 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren with one more on the way in August. He also leaves behind sisters, Melody McMillan of Cuba, Illinois, Becky Lewis of Bible Grove along with a brother, Leon Lewis of Fox Lake, Illinois and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law Jack McMillan; paternal father and mother-in-law; and one grandchild along with his best friend Yogi.