LEWIS RHETT W #1

CPT Rhett W Lewis was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 12/21/2009 at the age of 67.0
Pensacola, FL
Flight Class 69-16
Date of Birth 01/05/1943
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with C/1/9 CAV 1 CAV in 69-70
Call sign in Vietnam CAVALIER 43
This information was provided by Julie Kink

More detail on this person: RHETT WAYNE LEWIS 1943 - 2009 Highly Decorated Vietnam Helicopter Pilot, Rhett Wayne Lewis, age 66, husband of Deborah Brandon Lewis, passed away peacefully at his home in Pensacola, FL, on Monday, December 21, 2009 with his loving wife, family, friends and beloved pets by his side. With acceptance, dignity, and love, he fought a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Rhett will now be rejoined with his beloved son, Bradley Wayne Lewis, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident at the young age of 24. Rhett was born in Greenwood, South Carolina January 5, 1943. He graduated from Greenwood High School where he played football for the legendary Pinky Babb. He went on to play football for the Furman Paladins at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina where he was a member of TAU KAPPA EPSILON. He was a graduate of Austin Peay University in Clarksville, Tennessee, where he was a life time member of ALPHA KAPPA PSI. He was a lifetime member of Mathews Methodist Church in Greenwood, South Carolina, where he played the piano and sang with the choir. Rhett served as an aviator in the United States Army. He was a UH 1H helicopter pilot, and served with the 1/9 Cavalry in Vietnam from 1969-1970. His military awards and decorations include: The National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal with "V" one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with 34 oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with "V" three oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star, Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, and the Silver Star. Rhett also was awarded the Parachutist Badge and Senior Army Aviator Wings. He was also awarded the Distinguished Honor Graduate Air Cavalry/Attack Helicopter Commanders Training Course Class NR 3-73 USAARMS, Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Rhett was a Lifetime Member of the Bullwhip Squadron 1/9 1st Cavalry Air Mobile and the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots association. He remained very active with these groups until recent months, and he will greatly be missed and fondly remembered by his military comrades. Since his retirement in Florida, Rhett enjoyed sitting by his pool and listening to music with his two beloved pet Schnauzers at his side. He and his wife, Deborah, also took great pleasure in entertaining guests in their home. In recent years, Rhett also enjoyed maintaining an almost daily correspondence with his life-long friends, family, and military buddies via the internet. He kept one and all entertained as he passed along articles of interest, jokes, and his comments about current events. He treasured his family and friends. He will continue to touch their hearts and souls everyday, and will always be remembered in their thoughts and prayers. Everyone who knew Rhett will greatly miss him. Rhett is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Deborah Brandon Lewis; his beloved son, David Alan Meredith and wife, Debbie, of Clearwater, Florida; his beloved and special Aunt, Ms. Nita B. Flowe of Greenwood, South Carolina; and numerous family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Bradley W. Lewis; his mother, Letha Batton Lewis; and father, Albert Rhett Lewis. The family is at the home in Pensacola, Florida, and would like to thank Dr. Thomas Tan and Staff, and Covenant Hospice Staff for their love, compassion and professionalism. The family would also like to thank his special friends, Rick and Marcie Reber, for their love and support. Graveside services will be held on Thursday April 8, 2010 at 11:00 am in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia with full Military Honors. A Celebration of Rhett's Life will be at the Silver Moon Cafe in Perdido Key, FL with Ken Lambert from Son Shine Ministries of Foley, Alabama. Ken will be sharing God's word and his music at a later date. Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Woundedwarriorproject.org, in memory of Capt. Rhett W. Lewis.

Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA

This information was last updated 03/03/2019

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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