David Oscar Lewis

The Life and Legacy of Mr. David Oscar Lewis

David Oscar Lewis was born March 27, 1931 in Thomasville, Georgia.  He transitioned from this earthly life on June 25, 2022, at Archbold Medical Center. David and his mother lived with his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Ruby (Ma Ruby), Studstill. His mother died at age 20, when David was four years old. Mrs. Studstill lovingly reared her grandson.  He received his early and high school education in the Thomasville City School System. While growing up, David worked as a caddie at Thomasville’s Glen Arven Country Club. He left high school during his senior year in 1949, and later earned his General Equivalency Diploma.  After leaving Thomasville, he joined the army, served his country in the Korean War, and received an honorable discharge. On September 4, 1954, David married his “once-in-a-lifetime LOVE,” Mamie Delois Westbrooks. They celebrated their sixty-seventh wedding anniversary in September 2021.

David began his professional career at Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix, Arizona as a jet engine mechanic. While working full time, he attended Phoenix College to further his education.  He later moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. His interest in golf as a caddieat Glen Arven Country Club in Thomasville, lead to his becoming an avid golfer.  It was on the golf course where he met a General Electric Corporation executive, who offered him a position as a buyer contract/payroll administrator with GE in Evendale, Ohio.  David recognized the importance of continuing his education in order to hone his knowledge and skills as an administrator. He continued his education at the University of Cincinnati.

Upon his retirement, David relocated to Thomasville. He wore many hats after moving back to his hometown.  He became actively involved at Clifford Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.  He served on the board of stewards; member of the J.N. Greene Scholarship Fund, and teacher of the senior Sunday school class. He gave of his time, talents, and resources in support of the church’s various ministries. Other hats he wore were serving as a member of Thomasville National Bank Board of Directors; trustee at Thomas University; member of MNW Williams Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors; member of Thomasville Rotary Club; member of Thomasville City Council and served as Mayor two terms. David was the owner/publisher of the Magazine BEYOND, whose mission went BEYOND RACE, AGE AND GENDER. A Commentary in his Millennium Edition 2000, Lewis included a statement that said “…..you cannot legislate, integrate nor adjudicate a quality education. It takes work, dedication and sacrifice.”He was an advocate/supporter for affordable transitional housing to put a stop to generations of families living in government housing and other organizations. In 2015, David was recognized as “Citizen of the Year” by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

His wife, Mamie, along with his family members and friends, will cherish his impeccable legacy. His family members include their two children: Rhonda Lewis of Thomasville, Georgia and Glen Oscar (Karin) Lewis of Dallas, Texas; two granddaughters: Asia Lewis (Damion, Sr.) Ross of Thomasville, Georgia and Ashley Lewis of Thomasville, Georgia; two grandsons: Darius and Amari Lewis of Dallas, Texas and one granddaughter: India Lewis of Dallas, Texas; three great grandsons: Damion, Jr., David, and Daniel Ross of Thomasville, Georgia; one great granddaughter: Madison Lewis of Thomasville, Georgia; one brother: Elonzia (Edna) Armstrong of Syracuse, New York; one brother-in-law: Priestley Green of Thomasville, Georgia; two nieces: Emma Lorraine Mitchell of Columbia, South Carolina and Mary Emma Westbrooks of Thomasville, Georgia; one niece-in-law: Fannie Johnson and her family of Columbia, South Carolina; one nephew: Thomas (Tommie) Green of Thomasville, Georgia; one niece: Verona Green (“Too Sweet”)(Stanley) Miles of Roosevelt, Long Island, New York; one great nephew: Andre’ Mitchell of  Winston Salem, North Carolina; one great, great nephew: Shaka Mitchell of Nashville, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by sisters-in-law: Mary E. Johnson, Beatrice Murphy, Emma Lee Westbrooks, and Viola Green; brothers-in-law: J. C. Westbrooks and Reverend W. M. Westbrooks, Jr.; nephew-in-law: William Henry (Sonny) Johnson, Lawrence Westbrooks, Jr., and Priestley J. Green, Jr. He also leaves numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends to honor his legacy.

An important part of David’s legacy as a former Mayor of the City of Thomasville, was printed in the Georgia Trend Magazine, 2007 Edition, in an article entitled “An Atmosphere of Teamwork.” When the City of Thomasville was attempting to expand its parks and recreation programs and sharing revenues for the expansion, Mayor Lewis stated, (Paraphrased):“Everyone who lives within Thomas County must be willing to work together for the benefit of all.”(Quote) “This was not quite a marriage made in heaven, but certainly one made in a nice place.  What this has done is get people to work together and get to know each other.  We have demonstrated that we can work together, so we can take this to another level to apply the same thinking to whatever initiative is at hand.”