Willie Lewis

Willie Lewis, 53, beloved Brother, Father, and Grandfather, was called to his eternal resting place on April 15, 2021. He entered this world on March 3, 1968 in Hobbs, NM, born to Willie James Lewis Sr and Mamie Marie-Taylor Lewis. Willie attended Houston Jr High School where he really became passionate about becoming a great basketball player. He would go on to Hobbs High School where he had an excellent career as a Hobbs Eagle Basketball Player and his hard work paid off in a scholarship to play basketball at New Mexico Jr College.  During his final year at NMJC he decided to start the process to join the US military. Willie enlisted in the US Navy and served from 1988 – 1991 aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. He would complete his tour of service and return home to Hobbs in late 1991. After working as an electrician and several other occupations he decided to start a career in the burgeoning Oil industry. Willie completed his CDL Vehicle Operator training and also pursued many occupational certifications within oilfield services.

Willie (aka…Jr. or Sweets) was a lifelong and avid LA Laker fan and never relinquished his passion as a fan of professional sports, especially basketball. Willie would eventually have four children (Jalen, T’Ana, Keliah & Mark) and was a grandfather to two little blessings (Mark Ponce Jr & Alaiyah Lewis). He was known to be a complex, curious, at times complicated, but a very passionate man. In his own way, Jr. looked to his spiritual side for deeper meaning and an understanding of ‘why’ about his life. He would take many long walks to try and focus on his direction in life, his career, and his family.

Sadly, our Willie has been called home by the Good Lord. He is survived by his mother Mamie Lewis; brother’s Davie & Pete Lewis; son Jalen Lewis; daughter T'Ana Lewis; daughter Keilah Oldaker; son Mark Ponce Sr; grandson Mark Ponce Jr; granddaughter Alaiyah Lewis.