Deacon Joseph Floyd Lewis

Joseph Floyd Lewis was born on June 14, 1956, in Telfair County, Georgia to Flaxie Bell Lewis and Steve Jerome White. He departed this life on December 31, 2023, in Elgin, Texas.

Joe attended public schools in Telfair County and graduated from Telfair High in 1975. In June of 1975, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army. This led Joe on a lifetime journey from Germany through New Mexico before finally settling in Texas. Joe received an Honorable Discharge in December 1981 and returned to Civilian life, Joe began working with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Texas and Georgia and remained in this field for numerous years before retiring.

Joe joined the New Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church at an early age, this was the start of his Christian journey. Once in Texas, Joe joined Weeping Willow B.C under the Late T.L. Garner Sr. and served as President of the Brotherhood Department.  Later, he moved his membership to Mt. Moriah B.C under the leadership of the late Pastor L.R White and then to Straight Gate Fellowship B.C under Pastor Don Cyphers who ordained him a Deacon on August 20, 2017. Joe was a faithful member here until his passing.

Joe had a passion for horses and the cowboy life; he would often tell stories of all his past times and how Elmo “Bunchie” Brown taught him all there was to know. If he were not in his suit & tie, you would find him in his starched jeans, cowboy boots, hat, and shades always dressed to impress. He loved taking the grandkids to feed the horses or introducing them all to their 1^st horse rides.

Joe’s family was his pride and joy, especially his children and grandchildren. He often quoted they are “Bone of my bone, and flesh of flesh… I marked each one!” Each one was special to him, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Steve Jerome White and Flaxie Bell Lewis. Siblings: Archie Williams, Oliver Lewis, and Novetta Lewis.

Left to cherish his memories are: Eight Children: Takeya Middendorf, Ronnie (Briona) Lewis, Yanina (Russell) Larkins, Shalanthia (Anthony) Navejas, JaQuita Lewis, Joana (Byron) Caldwell, Justin (Wilnesha) Lewis) and Rosalynn (Gerrath) Lewis. Two Bonus Children: Angelia Cook, and Eric Haywood, Six Sisters: Shirley Shoemake, Emma McRae, Doris Timmons, Yolanda (Toy) Austin, Derlez (Alonzo) Webster, and Dickie Broxton; Six Brothers: James (Tanya) Lewis, Stephin White, Robert (Beverly) Lewis, Laurence Lewis, Harold Lewis, and Fontaine Baker; Special Sister: Robbie Hardeman; Best Friends: Jackie (Byrdman) Parker, and Henry (Zock) Haynes; Goddaughter: Monique Owens; thirty grandchildren, three Great Grandchildren, loving aunts and uncles, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Joseph Floyd Lewis, 67, of Elgin, passed away Sunday, December 31, 2023.  Family and Friends will gather for Visitation at Elgin Funeral Home Friday, January 12th, from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM.  A Home-Going Celebration will be conducted at the First Baptist Church of Elgin, under the auspices of Strait Gate Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church of Elgin, Saturday, 13th at 11:00 AM with Pastors Don Cyphers and Justin Green presiding.  Interment with Military Honors will be conducted at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery of Killeen, Tuesday, January 16th at 10:00 AM  with Pastors Don Cyphers and Justin Green presiding.