Rev. Melvin Lewis

Passed 05/20/2020

Obituary For Rev. Melvin Lewis

A Celebration of Life will be privately held for Rev. Melvin A. Lewis.

On Wednesday May 20, 2020, Rev. Melvin A. Lewis, devoted husband and loving father, graciously passed away into the loving arms of his Savior Jesus Christ at age 63 after his battle with a terminal illness.

Melvin was born on May 7, 1957 to Melvin and Ruth Lewis of Miami, Florida. The family relocated to Tampa, FL. in 1962.

Melvin completed his education attending Middleton High School where he met his wife Bernice Nesmith in 1978. As a young man, Melvin (Anthony) found his passion early in life. Influenced by his older brother Charles, Anthony began working with cars amongst other things. His advanced talent led him to build his first race car, a ‘66 Pontiac, where he and Bernice would often drag race at night with friends on a landing strip of a local airport.

Joined in Matrimony June 21, 1980 to the now Bernice Lewis, the couple went on to raise 3 children together; Earvin, Nikkey, and Anthony and later adopted Jordan. Already driven by faith, Anthony led his family to join St John Progressive M. B. Church where he and his wife would spend the next 38 years growing in faith together. In pursuit of his career, Anthony first graduated from Ferris State University in 1994 as a Technician, going on to accomplish becoming a small business owner for several years. Hard at work, Anthony spent over 25 years mastering his field specializing as a Diesel Mechanic for Anthony’s Distributors & JJ Taylor’s.

Anthony was kind at heart, a true family man. One of his priorities, together with Bernice was caring for and spending time with his Mother. He and his siblings would gather often hosting fish fry’s, traveling for family reunions and meeting for morning worship at St. John. Loved by many, Anthony’s bond with his sister-in-law Ina Walker was exceptional and will never be forgotten. As a man of dexterity and resilient faith, what was asked of him, he gave, and when God called, he answered.

God called Anthony to the Ministry under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Banks Sr. attending Blessed Hope Bible College in 2007-2009 and Faith Bible Institute 2009-2012, joined in completion with Bernice. After years of ministry, Anthony was ordained as a Reverend in January 2019.

Anthony was preceded in death by his father Melvin Lewis, one granddaughter and one great grandson.

Melvin is survived by the love of his life: Bernice Lewis; children: Earvin Nesmith, Nikkey Nesmith, Anthony Lewis, Jordyn Curry; grandchildren: Anquantrayla Nesmith, Earvin Nesmith Jr., Eniah Nesmith, Ja’ Maya Nesmith, Jacquez Nesmith, Anthony Lewis Jr., Yazmeen Lewis, Olivia Lewis; great grandchildren: Reco Allen, Jaidyn Lawrence; mother: Ruth Lewis; brothers: Charles Bryant (Katie), Jerry Lewis, Alden Lewis (Janice), Daniel Lewis; Sisters: Edith Harris, Juanita Walker (Rudolph), Patrice Jones; sister-in-laws: Ina Walker, Vadia Bradford (Carl), Cassie Tinsley, Thelma Taylor, Latara Taylor; brother-in-law: Theodore Taylor; and a host of other sorrowful nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 29, 2020 at Integrity Funeral Services, 3822 E. 7th Avenue, Tampa, Florida from 5:00pm to. 8:00 pm with family present 5:00pm to 6:00pm. Guidelines set forth by the CDC are still in effect during this time. Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 11:00am, the Funeral Service can be viewed live via Integrity Funeral Services Facebook Page.

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