Lewis James Goodwin, 86, of Bradenton, Florida passed from his earthly home to his heavenly home peaceably on Sunday, September 4, 2022 while under the loving care of his wife Joyce in their home.
Lewis was born on May 16, 1936, in Springfield, Ohio to Gordon and Jean Goodwin. Lewis is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Joyce Goodwin; daughters, Diana Hawkins, Deborah Ebner; son in law, Craig Hawkins, four grandchildren, Jennifer Soos, Jeffrey Hawkins, Toby Ebner and Che’ Lewis Ebner,; five great-grandchildren, Jacob Soos, Dylan Soos, Ava Hawkins, Mila Ebner and Alani Ebner.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Jean Goodwin; sister, Beth Wilson; brother, Gordon Goodwin Jr. and eldest grandson, Jonathan Lewis Hawkins.
Upon graduating High School, Lewis joined the United States Air Force and served as a Communications Specialist for four years. He received an honorable discharge and soon after began a career in sales. After honing his skills he was later appointed Vice President of Maeve’s Coffee Company in New York and spent much of his time traveling throughout the US developing new business relationships in sales while Joyce worked in the home raising their daughters Diana and Deborah. After many years as a professional salesman in the coffee and food service industry, Lewis and Joyce relocated to Ohio to begin a new venture as owners of Friends Coffee Company located in North Canton. In 1981 Lewis and Joyce sold Friends Coffee Company and moved to Bradenton, Florida where Lewis continued in sales until 1994. In 1995, Lewis and Joyce opened a family-owned furniture store called Wicker-N-Things in Bradenton, Florida, and operated the business with their daughters, Diana and Deborah, grandsons, Jonathan, Jeffrey, Toby, Che’Lewis and granddaughter-in-law, Taylor until 2009 when he decided to retire. Lewis was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and his accomplishments in life were many.
He was a master chef and loved being in the kitchen preparing exceptional meals for family and friends. Lewis also loved dancing, singing, playing cards, was an avid golfer, pilot, and certified diver, enjoyed boating, fishing, swimming, and motorcycling in his younger years and as of late loved studying the stock market, reading books and spending time with Joyce and family. Lewis was a man of faith who loved the Lord and his family and friends will miss him dearly. Although he is no longer with us in body, the memories we hold in our hearts will live on in spirit for all who had the privilege of sharing in his life. We rest in the peace and understanding of our belief, knowing we will be reunited with him someday in the not-so-distant future.
Funeral Services will be held at a later date for immediate family where he will be honored as a Veteran and laid to rest at Sarasota Memorial Cemetery. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 26th Street Chapel 5624 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207.
Condolences may be made to: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com
