Anthony Charles Lewis Sr., aged 75, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, peacefully at his home. Born on October 2, 1949, he came of age in the Handsboro neighborhood of Gulfport, MS, along with his five siblings under the care of dutiful parents, Essie and Earl Lewis Sr.

Graduating as a member of the Class of 1968 from 33rd Avenue High School, his life embodied and exemplified the school's motto, "Be Kind and Courteous." After graduation, Anthony became a longshoreman at the Port of Gulfport and a maritime union member of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) 1303. During his 14-year tenure as a longshoreman, Anthony gained extensive knowledge about the Port of Gulfport, labor conditions, work negotiations, importance of benefits, and the politics of labor unions. After he left the Port of Gulfport, Anthony and his brother transitioned to entrepreneurship and began a construction company, which then led Anthony to start his own successful roofing company. His negotiation skills, knowledge of contracts and labor, accurate bidding, attention to and demand for detail, strong work ethic, and integrity generated a recipe for success as an entrepreneur, business owner, and employer for 30 years.

Standing 6'3, Anthony was physically tall, and his personality made him even taller. As he solicited work or was on the job, one could usually catch Anthony in his starched blue jeans, boots, and donning either a men's flat cap, a cowboy hat, or baseball cap. He valued self presentation.

Family, friends, and community were close to his heart. In the close-knit Handsboro neighborhood, he was known for his conversations, dispensing advice, sense of humor, and joning (cracking jokes). He employed people. It is a well-known fact that many who worked for him received generous wages, transportation to and from work, and meals. He was a loyal friend who let a person know, with compassion, his authentic thoughts while at the same time giving people second, third, and fourth chances to show their best selves. For his family, he was known as a reliable source of strength, integrity, and financial and emotional support.

Anthony prioritized and held his family in high regard. When one saw Anthony, he was usually with the love of his life, committed companion, and dedicated wife, Cynthia, who he affectionately called "Cynt." One could anticipate him being in conversation when he was either in the public or at "The Shop," which is located on the family land that he maintain. He did not meet strangers. His warm smile, infectious laughter, and genuine heart made everyone feel like family. He had his own way of making special memories with each of his children, family members, friends, and customers. Whether it was sharing a meal, snapping a quick photo, attending family functions, or enjoying his grandchildren's sporting events, Anthony made every moment count.

His hobby was working. When he was not working, in addition to supporting and spending time with his family, Anthony watched classic westerns on television. He enjoyed westerns because the good guy usually managed to win in them; this matched his spirit and understanding of fair play. He appreciated the ride of a well-maintained, clean truck. When he was in his truck, he occasionally enjoyed listening to the Blues. Anthony was a member of Saint James Catholic Church of Gulfport, where at one time he served as an usher with his son.

Anthony was preceded in death by his parents, Alabama native Earl Willis Lewis Sr and Mississippi native Essie Eula Johnson Lewis and three brothers: Earl Jr, Joseph, and Glenn Paul Lewis. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Cynthia Elaine Mingo Lewis of Gulfport, MS; three daughters: Dr. tonya thames-taylor (Anthony) of Coatesville, PA, Jenesis Lewis of Gulfport, and Anita Lewis-Jenkins (Justin) of Brandon, MS; one son: Anthony C. Lewis II of Gulfport; six grandchildren: Tijah Powell (Warren), Elijah Eckford, Jaliyah Eckford, Jaylen Eckford-Lewis, Justin "Deuce" Jenkins II, and Jade Jenkins; and, one great-grandchild: Emory Powell. His memory will also be cherished by his surviving two sisters: Theresa Lewis Woods of Biloxi, MS and Carolyn Lewis Elliot of Gulfport, his best friend: James Franklin of Gulfport; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.