Services was held for David Lee Lewis, retired criminal justice professor at Grambling State University, Thursday, June 19 at New Living Word Ministries in Ruston.
He departed this life on Tuesday, June 10 at his home in Ruston.
Mr. Lewis (fondly referred to as “Big Daddy”) was born July 25, 1936 to the union of the last Winnon Sr. and Ora Mae Lewis in Moscow Tenn. He was the third son of three brothers and one sister; all have preceded him in death.
The family moved to Chicago where David grew up in the Chicago Public School System. He graduated from Bowen High School and continued his education at Olive Harvey College: AA in Teaching, Chicago State University: BS in Education and Governors State University: MA in Human Development.
Mr. Lewis was an avid supporter of education and excellence. His professional experience and associations ranged from the community activist to National and International Security, Criminal Justice Affiliations and the development of a professional Law Enforcement course at Olive Harvey City Colleges in Chicago.
He served on the Chicago Police Department for 10 years before becoming a Senior Staff Analyst/ Instructor dealing with special operations and research completing numerous specialized trainings. In 1981, David moved to Louisiana where he served as Criminal Justice Undergraduate Programs Coordinator, assistant professor and director of Safety and Security during his tenure at Grambling State University until his retirement.
He served on the Ruston/ Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors, Crimestoppers, North Central Louisiana Leadership Committee, Lincoln General/Green Clinic Board of Directors, and a member of Kappa Delta Pi, Metropolitan Officials Association, American Criminal Justice/ Criminology Education Association, Southwest Athletic Conference and named for an award for the Outstanding Law Enforcement Professional of America in 1990.
David was not all work and no play. Personally, he enjoyed playing basketball and professionally officiating sporting events.
He enjoyed square dancing and was professional caller. No matter where he lived, he was well known for his work and coordination of youth activities for those at risk and/or crime and juvenile delinquency.
Whether it meant spending time with his own children and grandchildren or mentoring and counseling others in the Lincoln Parish School, he enjoyed public speaking and participating in various schools, community agencies and programs to improve the criminal justice system where juveniles and students are concerned.
The Gramblinite
Tuesday, April 23, 2024