Garnett W. Lewis

Garnett Winford Lewis of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, just one day after celebrating his 93rd birthday. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, veteran, and friend whose greatest joy was his family.

Garnett enjoyed the simple things, good music, trips to Branson, making his weekly phone calls, a good bowl of ice cream(well anything sweet really), and having a good cup of coffee with someone he loved. He was quick with a joke and never missed an opportunity to give someone a hard time. At church, he greeted everyone with a smile and made sure no one felt overlooked. Garnett had a way of making ordinary moments memorable, and his warmth, humor, and love for people will be deeply missed.

Garnett was born to Garnett Alton Lewis and Mae Evelyn Lewis on August 12, 1933, in Princeton, Kentucky. He was the oldest of his siblings, growing up in a large family with six brothers and one sister. His childhood was rooted in family, hard work, and the simple moments that made home special, especially his mama’s chocolate pie.

Garnett graduated from high school in 1951. At just 19 years old, he answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Air Force the following year. He served proudly as a Staff Sergeant, spending two and a half years overseas during the Korean War. His military service was the beginning of a life devoted to serving his country, his community, his church, and those he loved.

In May of 1952, while at boot camp, Garnett began writing to Emma Mae Jones, whom he met through his Aunt Helen. Their letters eventually led to their first meeting in Nashville, and on September 18, 1955, Garnett and Mae were married in Houston, Texas. Their marriage was the beginning of a beautiful love story that lasted more than seven decades. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary together in September 2025.

In 1996, Garnett retired from the United States Postal Service after 18 years of dedicated service.

Whether serving his country, faithfully donating blood, serving as a deacon and greeter of his church for over 60 years, or simply being there for the people he loved, Garnett lived a life of service, faith, and devotion. His faith was at the heart of who he was. He was a faithful servant of God who led by example and continually pointed those around him toward Jesus.

Above all, Garnett was deeply loved by his family. He found his greatest joy in the people he loved and the family he and Mae built together. His legacy of faith, service, kindness, and love will live on through the generations who were blessed to call him husband, dad, Papoo, Winky, brother, and friend.

Garnett was preceded in death by his father, Garnett Alton Lewis; his mother, Mae Evelyn Lewis; his brother, Cecil; and his sisters-in-laws, Mary, Shirley, and Margie.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Mae; his children, Jeff (Lynn), Mandy (Neal), and Joni; and his siblings, Don, Dennis (Linda), Kenneth, Ann, David (Carol), and Gayle (Junko). He was a proud grandfather to Chris, Amy (Chris), Stephanie (Christopher), Heather (Ian), Ryan (Chelsea), Emily (Bryan), and Jackie, and a cherished great-grandfather to Caden, Aiden, Reese, Tristynn, Harper, Matthew, Andie Mae, Logan, Caleb, Asuna, and Walker.