Willie Lewis - Obituary

ames William "Willie" Lewis, 54, a lifelong resident of Annapolis, died at his home Friday, September 2, with his family by his side. Born February 13, 1957 to Rhea and the late James William "Reds" Lewis, he was their fourth and youngest child. Willie graduated from Annapolis High School and was attending the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in 1981 when he was paralyzed in a swimming pool diving accident. Confined to a wheelchair after months of rehabilitation, he was unable to continue his culinary school training. Unwilling to allow his disability to interfere with his dream of becoming a chef, Willie worked his way through college, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Maryland, and became a Registered Dietician. Having a strong interest in the culinary arts, Willie devoted his working life to the food service industry. With his wife and partner, Cheryl, he started a takeout gourmet business, My Chef, and later the Annapolis catering service, Occasions by Cheryl, which continues to operate today. Willie was the voice of the company and the first contact with most clients. One of his greatest joys was designing menus to complement an event’s theme and client’s personality. Willie was an avid Baltimore sports fan. He had a large baseball card collection and loved going to Oriole games. During the football season, his Sundays were devoted to the Ravens. In addition to his mother, Willie is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, the former Cheryl Fritz, and his devoted sisters, Wilda Apostol, Rhea Hunt, and Sandra Parr. With no children of his own, Willie was a special uncle to his nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. Friends and family are invited to Willie’s Life Celebration on Saturday, September 10 from noon until a memorial service begins at 1 p.m. at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Attn: Director of Annual Giving, PO Box 016960 (R48), Miami, FL 33101-9844.