Arnold "Dean" Lewis, Sr. of Aliceville, Alabama went to be with his Lord on Friday, August 8, 2025.  He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Jean McDaniel Lewis;  sons, Rusty (Frances) Lewis, Mike (Elizabeth) Lewis, Jeff (Ginger) Lewis, Joe (Cindy) Lewis;  daughter, Paige Lewis Willingham; grandchildren, Rachel (Clay) Craft, Libby (Will) Clayton, Lee (Megan) Lewis, Ashley (Jim) Farmer, Luci (Chase) Britt, Laura (Matt) Dauphin, Anette Zuniga, Forrest (Leah) Lewis and great-grandchildren;  Connor, Collin and Cameron Craft, William and Annie Clayton, Adams and Rory Farmer, Mary Lewis Britt, Travis, Anson and Simeon Lewis and Kate Lewis and three brothers, Joe B. (Claudia) Lewis, Lester (Fran) Lewis and Ted (Camellia) Lewis.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold Bryant Lewis and Edna Elizabeth Pogue Lewis.
Memorial services for Arnold "Dean" Lewis, Sr. will be held at the Aliceville First Baptist Church on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 11:00 am with Rev. Charlie Wilson officiating. A private family burial will be held in the Franconia-Oak Grove Cemetery in Aliceville, Alabama with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation will follow the service at the church.
Born December 11, 1934, Dean was a life-long resident of Pickens County. He grew up in a logging and lumbering family. After graduating from Aliceville High School in 1954, Dean attended and graduated from the University of Alabama's School of Business and Commerce and came back to Aliceville to work in the family hardwood sawmill business, that had been established in 1948 by his father, A. B. Lewis. After his father's retirement, Dean and his brother, Joe B. became partners and continued the hardwood sawmill business, Lewis Brothers Lumber Company.
As a business owner, Dean served on several state-wide committees promoting hardwood lumber businesses and forest management practices. He served as the president of the Alabama Forestry Association from 1999- 2000. He continually supported, for 50 years, the Pickens County Forestry Field day competitions with the Pickens County Schools students to promote forestry in our local youth.
Dean served his country by being in the U.S. Army Reserves. He retired after 21 years as a Lt. Colonel. He served his Aliceville First Baptist Church family as an active member and deacon for decades. He was a member of the Aliceville Rotary International Club where he received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award, their highest honor.  He was also Aliceville's Citizen of the Year in 1995.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend.  He loved his Lord, his family, his friends and his country.  He left a proud legacy for his family.  He will be missed by many.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Clay Craft, Jim Farmer, Chase Britt, Matt Dauphin, Forrest Lewis, Will Clayton, Lee Lewis, Keith Bain, Billy McKinzey, Mike McDaniel, Richie Knox and the Men's Corner Room Sunday School Class of Aliceville First Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Aliceville First Baptist Church Martha's Ministry, 323 Broad Street, Aliceville, AL 35442 or to St. Jude Children's Hospital Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.