Page 27 - Florida Sentinel 7-17-20

Feature
Retired NFL Linebacker David Lewis Passes
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
Former Tampa Bay Bucca- neer, David Rodney Lewis, passed away Tuesday evening, July 14, 2020, after a short ill- ness. Lewis was 65 years old.
Born on October 15, 1954, in Houston, Texas, Lewis started his professional foot- ball career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1977, being drafted in the 2nd round by his former college coach, John McKay.
Lewis played for the Bucs until 1981 before joining the San Diego Chargers in 1982, and Los Angeles Rams in 1983.
Lewis played college foot- ball at the University of South- ern California (USC) under John McKay, where he was an All-Pac 10 player.
Former Teammates and friends are devastated by the
news of Lewis’ passing. Former USC and Bucca- neer star LB teammate, Richard ‘Batman’ Wood (1976-1984), who played with David Lewis until Wood re- tired, says, "Remembering the times with David... he was a good-hearted, loving person, and touched many young peo- ple's lives through the years. He was a hard worker, fun personality, a strong and shar- ing person in the community. This will be a huge loss. He en- couraged me to become a coach at Tampa Catholic, where he served for many years. His legacy will live on in
so many ways."
Doug Williams, the for-
mer quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1978-1982), is now the Senior V. P. of Player Development for the Washington Redskins, joined the team a year after David. He says, “David was always a
MR. AND MRS. DAVID (BONNIE) LEWIS
cheerleader and encouraged me during my rookie season.” “David called me last week, just to check on me,” Williams said. “So when Parnell (Dickerson) called me last night to tell me, I was stunned. All I could do was sit
still and remember all the good he did for me and oth- ers.”
Continuing, he said, “David was always fun-lov- ing, and good hearted. He was also one of the best NFL play- ers out there. He also, coached my son, DJ, when he played at Tampa Catholic. I would go to the games, and just watched how David motivated all the players on the team, and he had a way with the players. My son is also devastated, because he said that Coach Lewis was his biggest cheerleader.
“David was always sup- portive no matter where I went, and when I was honored by the Bucs with the Ring of Honor, he was excited and happy for me.”
Tyrone Keys, former player for the Chicago Bears, Buccaneers and Chargers, said, “Coach David Lewis offered Tyrone the defensive line coaching position at Tampa Catholic and the school offered Tyrone a part- time counseling position so he could have a coach on Campus to represent, to meet with the college recruiter and student- athletes.
“TC is where the student- athletes became lifelong friends such as Willie Queen - Barry Clark, Cobbie Matthews - Cory Curry - Keary Hartuia - Brett Avery - Ken Holders - Jeff Heesschen - Jose Colon - Jason Wilson - Andrew Mathison - Eric Hayes - all attended and graduated and returned back to give back. Dave was the glue and the root to the fruition.”
“He saw promise in 100s of obscure boys from all walks of life and developed us into men. He gave us an opportu- nity to excel academically and athletically,” stated Barry Clark, TC Class of 1992.
Danny Reece was a teammate at USC and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1976-1980) with David.
He said, “I spoke to David on Monday, to find out how Richard ‘Batman’ Wood was doing. David said to me that ‘God don’t make any mis- takes.”
Lewis’ longtime friend, driver to so many doctors’ ap- pointments, former police of- ficer, Minister Ricky Wade, said, “It hurts so bad. We go way, way back.” Wade, driver for many professional teams, was the bus driver for the Tampa Catholic football teams.
“David was one of a kind, he had such a big heart and never turned anyone down. He loved USC, the Bucs and bowling. You could not inter- fere with his bowling days – Thursday and Saturday.”
His pastor at New Mt. Zion said, “Deacon David Lewis was a giant; not just physi- cally, but he possessed a effu- sively large personality that made everyone feel special. I will miss him dearly, but be- lieving that he died in faith in Christ, I rejoice.”
As we go to press funeral arrangements for Lewis are incomplete. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Asberry Lewis, children, grands and other family members.
PAGE 14-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020