Doyal Thomas Lewis

Tom Lewis, age 63, of North Kenora Drive, Rome, Georgia having completed his allotted time on this earth passed on to be with his Lord on Saturday afternoon, February 12th, 2011, after a valiant struggle with a difficult and long illness.
Tom was born on August 19th, 1947 in Floyd County and was the son of the late Elbert (E.W.) Lewis and Bonnie Adrian Lewis Garrett of Rome. He was educated in the Floyd County Public School System, attended Elm Street Elementary School and graduated from West Rome High School in 1965. Tom was a veteran of the United States Air Force and served in California and Japan during the Vietnam War. He was married on Oct. 28th, 1966 to the one and only love of his life and high school sweetheart Brenda Joyce Bollen Lewis, daughter of the late Everett "Ebb" Bollen, Senior and the late Violet Young Bollen both of Rome.
Upon his arrival home after the war Tom was associated with his father in Lewis Construction Company as a residential home contractor for numerous years prior to establishing his own home construction business in 1985. He was forced into early retirement after a severe stroke in 2004 and a massive heart attack in 2010 left him disabled.
Tom was a devoted family man and friend who spent all of his free time with his wife, two children, and their spouses and his grandchildren. He particularly loved going on family vacations to the beach and other points of interest that he could share with his grand-daughters. He loved old literature, photos, and stories of times past and collecting odds and ends from a forgotten era. Time with his extended family on holiday and special occasions were always a treat for Tom as was being with his old and dear friends all of which he loved deeply. He particularly enjoyed being with his former classmates from West Rome High School's class of 1965 and worked at maintaining long and valued relationships with them, most of whom he had known all of his life.
Tom loved to go fishing or just hang out at the lake and the beach. He enjoyed raising chickens for a hobby and loved showing them off to the children. Tom's ability to perceive and express an extensive sense of humor was his prime characteristic. Always prepared to relate some humorous quip or tale, he took great pride in being able to bring a smile to everyone's face. Even during the most difficult times of dealing with his illness he never lost that sense of humor and was still able to deliver a bit of his wit to lighten the worst of moments.
Surviving Tom's death is his devoted and loving spouse of 45 years, Brenda Joyce Bollen Lewis; his children, son, Doyal Chad Lewis of Rome and one daughter, Misty Lewis Roberson and his son-in-law, James Roberson both of Rome. He also leaves behind his four beautiful granddaughters, Allie Ownbey, Abbie Roberson, Aggie Roberson and Harlie Lewis; "bonus" step-granddaughter Chelsea Roberson; his mother, Bonnie Adrian Lewis Garrett of Rome; two sisters and their spouses, Carol Lewis Lambert Knight and Ken; and Betty Lewis Penney and Jerry all of Rome; also surviving are his sisters-in-laws and their spouses, Barbara Bollen Kirby and Vic of Rome; Jan Bollen Enis and Jim of Knoxville, TN.; Carolyn Bollen Grissom and Jerry of Rome and brother-in-law, Everett Bollen, Junior, also of Rome. Remaining are numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and will miss his love of them.
He was preceded in death by his father, Elbert "E.W." Lewis; his grandfather, John F. Lewis and his grandmothers, Gustie E. Lewis and Cora Carroll Adrian; and also his in-laws Everett "Ebb" Bollen and Violet Young Bollen and his lifetime" best friend" Jackie D. Smith.
Tom's family wishes to issue a special thank you to all the extended family members and family friends who were devoted to Tom throughout his illness and especially Cindy Littlejohn Simmons. He enjoyed everyone who came to see him and help out and looked forward to spending time with them all.
A service to celebrate Tom's life will be held at 7 o'clock on Friday evening, February 18th, 2011 at Fred Talley's Parkview Chapel Funeral Home on New Calhoun Highway, Rome with Dr. Robert Ozment officiating. Members of Shanklin-Attaway Post #5 American Legion Honor Guard will present military honors.
Friends may visit with the family on Thursday evening from 7 until 9 o'clock at Fred Talley's Parkview Chapel. Contributions may be made to the Tom Lewis Memorial, c/o Greater Rome Bank, P.O. Box 529, Rome, Georgia 30162 or given to any teller at any locations of Greater Rome Bank.
Pallbearers for Doyal Thomas "Tom" Lewis are his nephews, Trevor Hubbard, Jason Hubbard, Blake Kirby, Blaine Kirby, Perry Davis, Blake Lambert and Michael Penney and Lee Grissom. Honorary pallbearers are: Eddie Hamilton, Mike Lawrence, Bob Stansell, Bobby Bishop, Mike Baird, Jack Harwell, Bruce Baird, Wayne Green, Ken Womack, Tom Caldwell, Edward Cox, Joey Hale, Marvin "Bo" Campbell, Dale Canada, Bobby "Venius" Kimsey, Jimmy Barnes, Keelan Roberson and Billy Quarles. All pallbearers are requested to meet at Fred Talley's Parkview Chapel on Friday evening by 6:30 p.m.
Please join the family in honoring the life of Doyal Thomas "Tom" Lewis by visiting www.talleysparkviewchapel.com and posting your tributes and memories.
Fred Talley's Parkview Chapel Funeral Home has charge of the funeral services for Doyal Thomas "Tom" Lewis.