Owen Lee Lewis Sr.Rossville

Owen Lee Lewis, Sr., 80, of Rossville, Georgia, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025. He was born to the late Malcom and Mary Lee Lewis in Danville, Virginia. Owen lived most of his life in the Chattanooga – Northwest Georgia area, except for his time in the United States Army. Owen was an American Hero. He honorably and selflessly served our country in the United States Army in Korea and Vietnam, and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation with Valor. “In authorizing the latter decoration, Col. George S. Beatty, Jr., chief of staff, headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), said of the Danville soldier: 'His aggressive spirit, personal bravery, and immediate response while under heavy fire resulted directly in the safe withdrawal of his comrades who were severely wounded. Specialist Lewis’ unselfish devotion to duty, alertness, and concern for his fellow soldiers were in the highest tradition of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.” Owen was a member of the Church of Christ in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, #3679 VFW Life Member, American Legion #40 Member in Ringgold, Georgia, and a member of the Disabled Veterans Red Bank, Tennessee Chapter. Owen was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a hard worker, a great teacher, and an example. When the family was asked what they would like to say about Owen, without hesitation, Mrs. Bettie said, “He was our hero!” His wife, family, and friends dearly loved Owen, and he will be greatly missed.

Owen is preceded in death by his son, Owen Lee Lewis, Jr.; parents, Malcom Owen and Mary Lee Lewis; step-mother, Rachel Lewis; step-brother, George Hughes; and step-sister, Francis Hughes.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Bettie Croson Lewis; children, Aaron Wayne (Cristy) Lewis of Martinsville, Virginia, Kevin Thomas (Allecia) Lewis of Rock Spring, Georgia, Robert Lebron (Hillary) Lively of Ringgold, Georgia; daughter-in-law, Rachel Lewis Cicero; sister, Brenda Rose Summer of Henderson, North Carolina; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

The family has arranged for a time to remember and honor Owen. Friends and family are invited to join us on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The funeral service, a time to celebrate Owen’s life, will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Minister Larry Gordy and Minister Lowell Hillis officiating. Following the service, we will proceed to the National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for the pavilion service and burial at 1:00 p.m. The family appreciates your prayers and support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Tennessee State Veterans’ Home in Cleveland, Tennessee, in memory of Sgt. Owen Lewis, Sr.

An Online guest book can be found at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com. W. L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Homes, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, is handling the funeral arrangements.