William "Bill" Lewis

William "Bill" Lewis, of Little Rock, died peacefully on Thursday, February 16, 2012, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born September 22, 1932, in Owosso, Michigan, a son of the late Robert C. and Lila V. Lewis. He is survived by his son, Robbie, of Memphis; daughter, Patty, of California; grandsons, Steven of Memphis and A.J. of the USMC; his loving companion of many years, Jo Ann Talbert; stepmother, Caroline Lewis of Phoenix; brother Terry (Eileen) Lewis of Huntsville, Alabama; and several nieces and cousins. Reared in Michigan, he came to Arkansas in the 1960's as a commercial artist, recruited by the owners of one of Arkansas' earlier advertising agencies. He knew at a very young age that he wanted to make his mark in life as an artist. Following art school in Detroit and the prestigious Arts Students League of New York, he chose a career in graphics design and art direction. His talents were sought by leading advertising agencies and corporations throughout the country. It was while operating his commercial art business (and not embracing the computer) that he began the transition to painting in watercolor and oils. He was a signature member of the Mid-Southern Watercolorists and a member of the Arkansas League of Artists and the American Portrait Society. His work was frequently accepted in juried competitions and earned a number of awards, the latest being the Gold Award in the 2011 MSW Annual Exhibition. In addition to private collectors across the country, his work has been acquired by several of Arkansas' municipal and corporate entities as part of permanent collections. The family extends deepest appreciation to Dr. Brad Baltz, Dr. Sid Siddiqui, the surgeons at UAMS, and to the staffs at UAMS and SVI for their devoted and professional care. A reception celebrating Bill's life will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, February 19, at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home, 5800 West 12th Street, Little Rock. Memorials may be made to THEA FOUNDATION, 401 Main Street, Suite 100, Little Rock, Ark. 72204. Bill's online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.