Byron L. Lewis Obituary

Was born on February 15, 1972 in Akron, Ohio to the late Henry Sr and Parthenia Lewis. In the presence of his loving family, Byron transitioned into Eternal Glory, Wednesday April 29, 2026.

Reflection of Life

Byron Coached for over 20 years:

• Buchtel Griffins- 1040 here in Akron
• Streetsboro Rockets in Streetsboro, Ohio
• Brush Arcs in Lyndhurst, Ohio
• & most recently assisting in Columbus- Northland Vikings

His love for sports began while playing peewee under his big brother on the East side of Akron.

He began officiating little league football-often talked about how he would have to book it after a game because moving slowly could get you into a confrontation from an overly angry parent who thought your wrong call-in their opinion– has derailed their budding superstar. His love for sports wasn’t just for football because he also was an umpire and coached little league baseball for a few years.

Pivoting to coaching is where he found his true calling and gave his gift. To say he loved this community doesn’t quite describe how dedicated he was. He has purchased clothing, gave $ or bought food when needed, has driven students to colleges visits when parents were unavailable or lacked transportation, he sat in class for a wayward students, created highlighted films for potential college recruitment for students, just to name a few. He would also assist by helping students with college advancement and placement. He had a knack for believing in kids and seeing things that most didn’t see for themselves. Byron has coached generations of kids, some who became coaches for different programs. He always went above and beyond for his students.

Byron The Entrepreneurial

His Entrepreneurial and collaboration spirit had lead him in early 2000’s to start Akron’s first Internet Cafe along with his cousins Dorian Peecher and Terry Sample, creating By Request Entertainment with Vance Woodall and Sip n Cigar with best buds Jerry Walker & Garland Reed.

DJ B-Lew- one of Akron’s best.

Byron’s love for Old School started Old School, from carrying crates of albums to Cd’s to the boards of modern day technology. He has gone from assisting to collaborating with every Dj in the area and becoming DJ B-LEW. He has helped celebrate graduations, baby showers, weddings, divorce, birthday parties, to name a few. He has rocked in hole in the wall joints and halls that held hundreds. Byron would also consult or advise on sound systems and what equipment would better suit their needs often saving churches or businesses thousands. He loved music. Especially old school

Byron Lewis the man

Not only was he a God loving man but his family was everything to him. He never hesitated to be of service to them also. His family taught him how to love big.

Fifty-two years of family reunions showed him how family could praise God and come together. The C.O.G.I.C church was a big part of that. If you know you know. His father was a pastor and his mother was always the first lady of this family.

Byron was a loving dedicated husband, father and G-Pap. He was an active, present parent and grandparent. He made time for games, practices or whatever activity or event his wife, children, siblings, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and others were involved in. The family, especially his grandsons, knew if they called he was coming.

June 7, 1997 He married his true love and best friend Dana Gibson. Just shy of 29 years of marriage. Together they raised three beautiful children. He cried at the births of his four grandchildren, sharing memories, lots of laughter and some heartbreaks. Their love shaped not only them but their families.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents Elder Henry Lee Lewis, Sr. and Parthenia Lewis. Uncles, Elder Eddie Sample Jr., Elder Madison Sample and TC Sample; Aunts, Irene Truitt, Evangelist Missionary Catherine Byrd and Methalee Sample; Aunt-in-laws, Evangelist Missionary, Arene Sample, Evangelist Missionary, Rose Sample and other aunts and uncles.

His memories will forever be cherished by his wife and life partner of more than thirty-four years Dana Lewis; son, Blake Lewis (Jarae); daughters, Deja Lewis (Robert) and Nia Lewis (Samondaye). Grandchildren; Robert James jr, Blake Lewis jr, Kaleb James, Rayne James

Brothers; Henry Lewis, Jr. (Gwen), Lester Lewis (Gail), Antonio Lewis Sr. (Paulette); sisters, Ailees Walker, Alberta Lewis, Vanessa Brown (Samuel), Loradean Clayton (Clarence) all of Akron, OH, and DeLisa Shelton (Kevin) of Columbus, OH; cousin/brother, Darryl Truitt (Jacqueline); father and mother-in-law, Peter (Beverly) Gibson; brothers-in-law; Richard Gibson (Sara), Demar Gibson (Mardi)

Aunt Evangelist Missionary, Josie Lindsey (Earnest) of Orange, TX; Uncles, Rev. Dr. Alford Sample, Sr. (Emma) of Romulus, MI and James Davis of East St. Louis MO; aunt-in-law, Evangelist Missionary Ruby Sample of Romulus, MI.

We definitely cannot forget the numerous nieces/nephews/cousins/friends and family who are to numerous to mention. Byron loved everyone. The family would also like to recognize and send a special shout-out to his friend Ricky Powers.

Many do not know how hard he pushed through his pain to serve his family and others. His body just gave out after more than 20 years of dialysis. For a short time we were blessed with his presence, he will be greatly missed. The family wants to thank everyone for their kind words, well wishes, prayers and gifts/flowers.