David James Lewis
January 9, 1953 – March 13, 2024
David James Lewis, 71, passed away from vascular dementia on March 13, 2024. David loved Jesus and walks today with Him in glory, healed and whole.
Kind-hearted and generous, David was a loving husband, father, and beloved Pop to his grandchildren.
He leaves behind his adoring wife of 51 years, Kenda, their children David Michael Lewis and Tracy (Ethan) Moore, as well as a collection of grandchildren who made him beam with pride, Andrew (April) Lewis, Samuel and Noah Moore, Avery Lewis, and his great-grandson Levi Michael Lewis.
David was a beloved brother and also leaves behind 4 siblings: Pamela Sue (David) Mello of California, and Linda Lee Lewis, Jamie Jo Ann Lewis, and James Delbert (Carrie) Lewis II, all of Iowa.
Preceded in death by his parents, James Delbert Lewis and Phyllis Jo Ann Lewis.
Born January 9, 1953, David grew up in Iowa and California and learned a strong work ethic from his father who taught him carpentry. He loved to surf the beaches of California with his cousins as a teenager in the 1960’s. He was an original hippie and the California beach scene influenced his early life and free spirit.
David and Kenda met in Iowa and fell in love, marrying on February 17, 1973. They moved to Florida in 1979 and raised their children there.
David worked in the construction industry for over 50 years and was a part of building tens of thousands of homes in Central Florida. From pouring concrete to walking trusses, hanging drywall to building beautiful custom cabinetry, David literally did it all. He found his niche in trim carpentry and his skills and work ethic made him a sought-after subcontractor in The Villages.
Ever a dreamer and entrepreneur, David expanded his business to include exterior doors and locks, landing a contract as a Kwikset dealer. David retired in 2023 and handed the lock company off to his grandson Andrew who continues his Pop’s work in The Villages and beyond with Central Florida Locks and Security.
David was eclectic and a tad eccentric. He amassed a great number of classic cars, with a special affinity for antique mail Jeeps. He loved a good estate sale and was always collecting, eventually opening an antique and vintage storefront for a short time called Finds and Fixin’s.
A love for generous giving was in David’s heart since he rededicated his life to the Lord Jesus in the late 1980’s. He was always picking up the tab and giving lavishly and cheerfully to family, friends, and strangers alike. He loved giving second chances to men who were graduates of the Men’s Care Center, a faith-based alcohol and drug treatment center in Leesburg, FL. He often employed graduates in his trim carpentry business and saw many men restored to faith and to their families.
Most of all, David gifted a legacy of faith to his children’s children and beyond. His larger-than-life presence on earth is greatly missed, but his family rejoices in the hope found only in Christ. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:14, “Because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us (along) with you to himself.”
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 20, at the First Baptist Church of Leesburg, 220 N 13th St, Leesburg, FL 34748 with a gathering from 10:00 AM until service start at 11:00 AM with Pastor Cliff Lea officiating. Interment will follow at Lone Oak cemetery.
