My Life by Walter F. Lewis, Sr.

On July 6, 1928, I was born Walter Franklin Lewis to my parents, Ethel Tynes Lewis and George A. Lewis. I was born and raised in Overtown, Miami, Florida. My mother was from the Acklins Islands in the Bahamas. My father was from Key West, Florida. I was the fourth child amongst six children: George Jr., Floyd, Francina, myself, Eugene, and Eleanor. I also had a half-brother and half-sister, Hortencia and Eastlynn, from my father’s first wife who died when they were little. I was baptized and confirmed at St. Agnes’ Episcopal Church in Overtown.

I met my wife, Claretha Enid Grant, at St. Agnes’ Episcopal Church at an early age. I was an acolyte, and she was in the girls’ choir. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, class of 1948. We got married two months later, August 25, 1948. We were married until her death on February 12, 2013. We had six children together: Andrea, Walter Jr., Patrick, Lisa, Kevin, and Temeka.

I attended Dunbar Elementary School in Overtown and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, class of 1945. I attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University for one year in Greensboro, North Carolina. 

On December 29, 1950, I was hired as a locomotive fireman on the Florida East Coast Railway. In 1952, I was called to serve in the Korean War. I went into the United States Navy. I served 22 months on the Destroyer (USS Knapp – DER 653). I was honorably discharged in 1954. After my service, I went back to work on the railroad until the railroad went on strike in 1963. Due the strike, I received unemployment pay for one year. I grew impatient waiting for the strike to end and worked as a correctional officer at the county jail until 1966 when the Florida Coast Railway called me to return. I am especially proud that I was among the first Blacks to be promoted to locomotive engineer. For many years, I ran freight trains from Maine to Jacksonville, Florida. In the last two years of my career, I worked as a conductor on the same run. On July 14, 1990, I retired from the railroad. I received credit for 40 years of service. 

During my retirement, I went to The Church of the Incarnation for many years. My involvement included being on the Vestry Board, the July Birthday Club, singing in the Mens’ Choir, and the Retiree Club. 

I leave behind my family and friends to cherish my memories. I especially want to recognize my nephews, Gilford Robinson, Eastlynn Robinson, and Nathaniel Miller. I leave behind my favorite grandson, Tony Hernandez, and my other grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I want to acknowledge my cousins, Ruby Ferguson and Elva Jones. I also want to give a special mention to Ethell Lewis and Margaret Ingraham.

To Gilford Robinson, my favorite nephew, thank you for your continuous love and support. To the Church of the Incarnation, including Reverend Roberta “Bobbie” Knowles, my fellow parishioners, and staff members, thank you for all the thoughtful gestures, comforting words, prayers, visits, and support. Finally, to Sherlyn “Sherry” Greene, the Director at the Eden Inn Assisted Living Facility and to the other staff members, thank you for providing great care.