Celebration of Life Services Set for George Lewis, Association’s 60th President
A Celebration of Life service will be held Aug. 20 for the Dallas Builders Association’s 60th president, George Lewis, who passed away July 25. He was 87.
The Association this spring voted unanimously to bestow Life Membership upon him, a recognition that has been given only a few times in the its 80-year history. Mr. Lewis served as president of the Dallas BA in 2003, president of the Texas Association of Builders in 2006 and was inducted into the state Housing Hall of Honor in 2018.
George Lewis Custom Homes Inc. was an iconic builder in the Park Cities, constructing spectacular homes that earned him numerous accolades and repeat clients. He had been a member of the Association for more than 50 years.
With a bachelor’s degree in diplomatic history from Princeton and an MBA from Harvard, Lewis was lauded for his wisdom and organizational skills. While in the U.S. Air Force, he served as a contract negotiator for a state-of-the art anti-satellite weapons program. He led the state and local builders associations through times of immense change, helping institute key policies from financial management to building standards and government relations.
Lewis was a legend in the political arena, investing immensely in housing-first candidates over the years. President George W. Bush described George as a “dynamic and talented individual who strives for excellence in his endeavors and reflects the true character of America.”
Throughout his life, he worked with youth sports, mentored disadvantaged youth and participated in community development with Voice of Hope and the West Dallas Ministry. His generosity, leadership and political involvement earned him the Hugh Prather Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Dallas BA, in 2004.
Survivors include his wife Jeanne Lewis, daughter Dorothy Lewis, sister Susie (Robert) Wilbanks, Sherrie (John) Pierce, Tommy (Tonya) Baker, Jeanne (Gordon) VanAmburgh, Mark (Erica) Baker plus numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his first wife Carolyn Lewis, son James Lewis and brother Millard Lewis Jr.
The memorial service will be held Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 11 a.m. at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 8011 Douglas Ave. in Dallas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George’s name to the James M. Lewis Memorial Endowed Fund at www.SMU.edu/LewisMemorial or the charity of your choice.