Edward "Ed" Laverne Lewis Jr. (AKA Big Ed, Big Lew, Uncle Ed, Chewy Louie, Pops, and Paw-Paw) was born in
Pineville, Louisiana on December 31, 1951, to the union of Edward Laverne Lewis Sr. and Rachel Ann Peppers Lewis.
Edward was raised in Hot Springs, Arkansas and after the death of his father, Rachel re-married and Edward
became a part of a blended family. In addition to his parents, Edward is pre-deceased by his stepfather, Ocie
Timmons and step-sister Ocie Jean Timmons Norris.

Edward was raised in the Catholic church and attended Catholic school as a young boy until he entered public
schools, attending Langston elementary and secondary schools and graduating from Hot Springs High School in
1970. He continued his football career at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he received a full four -
year football scholarship and was a three-year letterman on the team. Edward received his degree in community
recreation and social work in 1975. He was a proud UAPB Golden Lion and sports enthusiast.

Edward first took notice of his future bride, Barbara McBeth of Pine Bluff, Arkansas in 1975 while still in college at
UAPB. As the story is told, Edward would drive by her house many mornings on his way to class. On a few
occasions, when she was home from college, he would see her outside her house and try to talk to her. She would
only speak and retreat into the house. As destiny would have it, their paths crossed again when Edward returned
to Hot Springs after college and Barbara moved to Hot Springs after college to begin her first job at the Hot Springs
Rehabilitation Center. Edward was there one day applying for a job. They immediately recognized each other and
the rest is history.

Edward married Barbara McBeth on December 27, 1975, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Together, they were blessed with
three children, Edward III, Heather, and Robin. He was a longtime member of Cottrell Chapel CME Church in Hot
Springs, AR serving on the Trustee Board and gospel choir.

Edward built his career with the U.S. Forest Service and Ouachita Job Corps Center where he utilized his college
training as a recreation specialist and dorm leader until his retirement. He also served as a detail firefighter and law
enforcement officer with the Forest Service. He graduated from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in
Glynco, GA.

When health challenges began, and it was no longer possible for Edward to work, he always loved spending time
with his family and church after retirement. When his health required Edward and Barbara to relocate to the Dallas
and Houston areas, Edward faithfully continued to serve the Lord through church connection at New Life
Community Church, Frisco, TX, and Impact Church of The Woodlands, The Woodlands, TX.

He was a loving husband, an extraordinary father and grandfather, and a friend to all who knew him.
Edward is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Barbara McBeth Lewis, The Woodlands, TX; one son, Edward
Laverne Lewis III, Houston, TX; two daughters, Heather Lewis-Jackson(Corey), Memphis, TN; Robin Lewis-Rounds
(Zachary),Tomball, TX; two granddaughters and one grandson, Kyler Giselle Minor, Maryn Alise Rounds, and Jaden
Christopher Bailey, Tomball, TX; one brother, Vincent Lewis(Bernadean), Jacksonville, NC; one niece, Kineta Lewis-
Carter(Lamarious) Tucson, AZ; one nephew, Vincent Lewis Jr. Raleigh, NC; brother/cousin, James Peppers(Maxine)
Hot Springs, AR; step-brother, Jerry Timmons, Hot Springs, AR; one aunt, Lois Childs, Compton, CA; one uncle,
William Peppers, Winnipeg, Canada; god granddaughter, Autumn Rouse, Seattle, WA; brother-in-law, Hiram
McBeth(Lisa), Dallas TX; special cousins, Bettie Filer, Freddie Armstrong, Dorman Haire(Janine) St. Louis MO; Kevin
Haire(Lenora) Cincinnati, OH; Berwyn Haire, Atlanta, GA; extended family including the T.J. Garland family and
beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The Visitation will be Friday, October 21, 2022, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Cottrell Chapel C.M.E. Church 698 East Grand Ave Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901. The Funeral Service will be Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Cottrell Chapel C.M.E. Church 698 East Grand Ave Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901.

The guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.