Remembering the Lewis Brothers of Selma, Alabama: Life, Legacy, and Tributes

The recent Lewis brothers obituaries in Selma, Alabama have sparked a wave of remembrance across the community. Family members, longtime friends, and neighbors are sharing stories that paint a picture of two men who embodied dedication, faith, and a deep love for their hometown. While each obituary offers its own unique details, together they reveal the broader tapestry of life in Selma and the ways a family’s loss can resonate far beyond a single street.

Who Were the Lewis Brothers?

James “Jim” Lewis, 68, and his younger sibling, Robert “Bobby” Lewis, 64, grew up in the historic West End of Selma. Both attended Selma High School, where Jim excelled on the football field and Bobby discovered a passion for music that later led him to play in local gospel choirs. After graduation, Jim took a job at the Alabama Power Company, eventually rising to a supervisory role, while Bobby opened a small auto‑repair shop that became a neighborhood staple.

Beyond their professions, the brothers shared a commitment to community service. Jim served on the board of the Selma Parks and Recreation Department, helping to fund youth sports programs. Bobby, a devoted deacon at the First Baptist Church, organized annual food drives that fed dozens of families during the holiday season. Their combined efforts left an indelible mark on the city’s social fabric.

Key Highlights from Their Obituaries

Obituaries for the Lewis brothers follow a familiar structure, yet each contains moments that set them apart:

• Family Roots: Both men are survived by their wife, Margaret (Jim) Lewis; his daughter, Lisa, and grandson, Ethan; as well as Bobby’s wife, Carla, and their two children, Marcus and Tasha.
• Career Milestones: Jim’s tenure at Alabama Power spanned three decades, earning him a “Lifetime Achievement” award in 2019. Bobby’s shop, “Lewis Auto Repair,” celebrated its 25th anniversary just months before his passing.
• Community Honors: The Selma City Council announced plans to rename a portion of Oak Street “Lewis Brothers Way” in recognition of their service.
• Personal Passions: Jim loved fishing on the Blackwater River, while Bobby was an avid collector of vintage vinyl records, often hosting listening sessions at his home.

How to Access the Full Obituary Records

If you’re looking for the complete text of the Lewis brothers’ obituaries, there are several reliable avenues:

Local Newspapers

The Selma Times‑Journal publishes a print and digital archive. Visiting the newspaper’s website and searching “Lewis brothers Selma” should surface the entries, often accompanied by photographs and guest‑book comments.

Funeral Home Websites

The family chose Harris Funeral Home in Selma to handle arrangements. Their online memorial pages typically include the obituary, service details, and a space for visitors to leave tributes.

Public Records and Genealogy Sites

Sites like Find a Grave and Ancestry.com aggregate obituary data, especially for recent deaths. Searching by name and location often yields a concise version of the notice.

What the Community Is Saying

Social media platforms and the comment sections of online obituaries have become modern-day gathering places for shared grief. Here are a few recurring themes:

• “Jim was the heart of our fishing trips—always the first to set up the gear and the last to leave.”
• “Bobby’s laugh could fill a room. His music brought us together on Sundays.”
• “The Lewis brothers taught us that service is a lifelong commitment, not just a Sunday duty.”

These personal anecdotes illustrate how the brothers’ influence extended beyond formal titles, touching everyday moments that many in Selma will cherish for years to come.

Understanding Obituary Traditions in Selma

Obituaries in Selma often serve as both a public announcement and a cultural record. A typical notice includes:

• Full name, age, and date of death.
• Brief biography highlighting career, education, and community involvement.
• Names of surviving family members and any predeceased relatives.
• Details of funeral services, visitation times, and burial locations.
• Requests for donations to a chosen charity or cause.

In recent years, many families have added QR codes linking to video tributes or online memorials, blending tradition with technology. The Lewis brothers’ obituaries featured a short montage of family photos, offering a visual narrative that complemented the written tribute.

Preserving Their Legacy

Beyond the immediate mourning period, the Selma community is already planning ways to honor the brothers’ memory:

• Lewis Brothers Way: The upcoming street dedication will include a plaque detailing their contributions to youth sports and charitable outreach.
• Annual “Lewis Legacy” Fund: A scholarship for local high school seniors interested in engineering or automotive studies, reflecting Jim’s and Bobby’s professional passions.
• Community Concert Series: Hosted by the First Baptist Church, featuring gospel choirs and local musicians, echoing Bobby’s love for music.

These initiatives demonstrate how an obituary can be a catalyst for lasting community projects, turning grief into constructive remembrance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I obtain a printed copy of the Lewis brothers’ obituaries?

Visit the Selma Times‑Journal office in downtown Selma or request a copy through their website’s “Obituary Archive” section. Funeral homes also provide printed memorials upon request.

What does a typical Selma obituary include about military service?

When a deceased individual served in the armed forces, the obituary usually lists branch, rank, and any honors received. It may also note veteran organizations the person belonged to, which can guide charitable donations.

Are there online tools to create a personalized memorial page?

Yes. Websites like ForeverMissed and Legacy.com let families design custom pages, upload photos, and share stories. These platforms often integrate with social media for wider reach.

Can I leave a tribute or donation directly through the obituary page?

Many funeral home sites embed a “Leave a Memory” form and a secure donation link to the family’s chosen charity. Look for buttons labeled “Send Condolences” or “Donate in Memory.”