Robert Lewis

Robert Lewis

Robert Lewis passed away on November 23, 2024

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Robert C. "Cap'n Bob" Lewis, Jr.
January 2, 1944 - November 23, 2024

Robert C. Lewis, Jr. “Cap’n Bob”, age 80, of Gulfport, MS and Morgan City, LA, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024.

Bob was born on January 2, 1944 in Scranton, PA to Robert C. Lewis, Sr. and Elizabeth D. Lewis. He graduated from Gulfport High School. Bob worked in the shipbuilding industry for 55 years. He was an avid reader. Bob wrote children’s stories, authored the Shipfitter Handbook, and authored a cookbook. He also enjoyed woodworking and had a love of music, especially classical.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Barbara Wester.

Survivors include his wife, Jackie Lewis; children, Robert “Corey” Lewis and Laura “Katey” Shaw; grandchildren, Tyler Shaw and Samantha Shaw of Nashua, NH; Devlin Lewis, Mackenzie Lewis, and Reilly Lewis of AZ; and Hunter Lewis, Dylan Lewis, and Summer Lewis of West Roxbury, MA; siblings, Sally and Dick Bartlett; his first wife, Sheralyn Lewis; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2025. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Lewis family.

The family requests memorials be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

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On August 15, 2020 Robert wrote:
Spent last 55 years running shipyards and steel service ice centers. Retired twice. Retired third and last time a month ago. Have written several technical books. Also wrote and illustrated three children's books. Will try to publish soon.

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Entry from December 5, 2015:
2016 will find me in my 50th year in the Shipyard business. Started as a helper and grew to be the Gen Mgr of four different yards. Currently living in Morgan City, LA, with Jackie and a Welch Corgi named Maximillian Barxmore. Expect to retire (for the third time) in about two years. Then I will get back to writing again.

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Entry from July 24, 2008
After almost 40 years in Shipyard Management thoughout the South, I made a slight detour in 2005 to move to Morgan City and build and open a Steel Service Center in Morgan City. Started on project two days after Hurricane Katrina came through with an empty field and 3000 tons of steel plate to sell. After building plant from scratch and establishing the business, had a stroke and had to step back from General Manager's slot to Sales Manager. Getting ready for our third expansion soon. Expect to work until I'm at least 70.

Jackie and I spend our time with photography and a house full of pets. Since my right side is now partially useless, I finally have an excuse for my lousy golf game.

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Previous Entry:
After graduation tried College but it wouldn't take. Ended up entering the shipyard industry. Spent the last 37 years trying to get out. Have managed shipyards throughout the south and overseas. Currently General Manager for a Laser Cutting facility in Mobile.

Have two wonderful children (Corey and Kate) by my first marriage. The children worked but the marriage didn't. Second try was a winner. Jackie and I have been married for 18 years and traveled throughout the South. A beautiful woman and a beautiful area... what more could any man ask.

Still working but writing is my hobby. Have written and illustrated a suthun' cookbook (write for a 'gratis' copy). Also wrote and illustrated three children's books, a marine glossary, a shipfitters handbook, and several humorous short stories about the South that may turn into a published collection. Currently run a Conservative Political web-site (imadubyah.com) that takes up most of my spare time.

In retrospect I wish we had come to the reunion. Skip McDaniel told me I was going to miss a great party... and, for once in his life, it appears he was right.