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Tom Lewis Obituary

Lewis, Tom Former President and founder of the Southside Bank, President of Interurban Broadcasting, first executive director of the Operation's PUSH Commercial Division died December 18, 2011 from a massive heart attack. Despite many health challenges Tom, at age 75, having retired from radio broadcasting, remained a very active entrepreneur. Tom was born March 17, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois to the union of Thomas V. Lewis and Marjorie Carson Lewis. Tom married Almera Brooks Lewis and into these union two children were born: Tracey and Todd Lewis. Tom leaves to cherish his memory his two loving grandchildren: Taban and Coda Lewis and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Tom Lewis will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Cosmopolitan Community Church, 5249 South Wabash, and Chicago, Illinois. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM, Service at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Services are being provided by the A. A. Rayner and Sons Funeral Home, 318 E. 71st Street, Chicago, Illinois 60619.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Dec. 27, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Tom Lewis

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Paul Bottoms

September 23, 2024

I have crystal-clear memories of Tom, wish his family all the best, AND would like to catch-up on things, speaking with Tracey.

Kim Fox

January 9, 2012

Prayers to the Lewis family for their loss. Mr. Lewis was an inspiration and working at The Wiz will always be a fond memory for me. ~Kim Fox, Cairo, Egypt

January 3, 2012

DEAR TRACEY: MY PRAYERS TO YOU AND FAMILY IN THE PASSING OF YOUR DAD. YOU WERE HIS PRINCESS. LOVE TO REST OF FAMILY. YOUR FORMER COWORKER, DOROTHY HEARD (i RETIRED 10/27/11 FROM COUNTY. BE ENCOURAGED. I

Sondra Hoard

December 31, 2011

My condolences to you and your family. We will miss him.
Sondra & Don Hoard

Gene Armstrong

December 30, 2011

I met Tom in banking during the early 1970's, and he was always helpful and an inspiration to me. Tom was a very brilliant man and entrepreneur, and I was very saddened to hear of his passing. My prayers and condolences go out to his family.

Hal Clark

December 29, 2011

Condolences to the Lewis family. Thanks to Mr. Lewis for an intial opportunity that's turned into a lifelong passion.

Gregory Patterson

December 28, 2011

Mr. Lewis and the Lewis family played a great part in my career in radio. His son Todd hired me at WIZF in Cincinnati. Mr Lewis and his son made September 9th, 1989 one of the happiest days in my life. He will be missed. If there is anything I can do you can count on me.

Audrey Jenkins

December 28, 2011

Tom, such a kind heart and gentle spirit. You graciously used your talents to benefit others. God is smiling and saying "well done," my good and faithful servant! Audrey Jenkins (an Englewoodite)

December 27, 2011

What an incredible man that loved music and people. My prayers are with the family. pam morris (WVON)

Alvin Boutte

December 27, 2011

Tom Lewis was a dear friend and business associate.

Tom served the Chicago and New Orleans communities through South Side Bank, his service in many community and banking organizations uncluding PUSH, his radio stations and other ventures. He will be missed. My prayers are with the family.

Alvin Boutte

Ray Harris

December 27, 2011

Mr. Lewis was a trailblazer in Black broadcasting, a pioneer and true gentleman. My prayers and condolences goes out to Tracey, Todd and the entire Lewis Family. May he R.I.P.

George Davis

December 27, 2011

Tom Lewis was a dear friend and an extremely good person. My prayers are with the family. George Davis

Vernon Williams

December 27, 2011

Tom : In your life you climbed many mountains and made a better path for those who followed. My prayers for Tracey, Todd and family. Rest in Peace my friend.

Tony Gray

December 27, 2011

Mr. Lewis was a true trailblazer in broadcasting he cared about his employees his radio stations and the communities they served! "Tony Gray" Chicago

Sharon (Hardin) Bennett

December 27, 2011

I too am grateful for the opportunity that was afforded to me by Mr. Lewis at WIZF in Cincy. This opportunity laid the foundation to a wonderful career in which I loved! My prayers are with the Lewis Family. May you find strength in each other and in the joy of the Lord!

Fredd E. REDD

December 26, 2011

My first Big Break in Radio came from Mr. Lewis..........It was a pleasure to work for you, my prayers go out to the Family.

Darlene Mayo Jackson

December 26, 2011

I am eternally grateful for having the opportunity to work for Mr. Lewis at InterUrban Broadcasting (WIZF Radio). Mr. Lewis was a pleasure to work for. My Deepest sympathy to the Lewis Family.

December 26, 2011

Mr. Lewis was an inspiration to me personally for which I am forever grateful. May he rest in peace.

Chilly Cee - WIZF Radio Cincinnati

Tom Lewis and Family-1993 Cincinnati Black Achievers Award

Edna Howell-Parrish

December 26, 2011

Thank God that Tom Lewis lived. He was a trail blazer in the broadcast industry. Iam ever grateful for the opportunity to have worked for him at WIZF-FM Interurban Broadcasting in Cincinnati, Ohio. Edna Howell-Parrish

Ty Green

December 24, 2011

My sincere condolences are extended to the entire Lewis family. I was fortunate to be amoung the employees who worked under the leadership of Mr. Lewis and Jim Hutchinson at WYLD Radio. Mr.Lewis was passionate,fair and dedicated towards me and I certainly appreciated his contribution to this city as owner of the radio station.... While his work on earth is done and noted, I pray God would except his soul into his Kingdom. To Todd his son, thanks for the memories!

"Sportsmachine"

Charon Deruisa

December 24, 2011

Fond memories are reflected back to Englewood high school.
My sympathy to the Lewis family.

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

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Funeral services provided by:

A.A. Rayner & Sons Modern Funeral Service - Chicago

318 East 71st Street, Chicago, IL 60619

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