Ira Payne Lewis

Ira Payne Lewis of Eufaula, Alabama, passed away on February 25, 2026, at the age of 82. His family remembers him with gratitude for a life well lived and hearts full of cherished memories.

Ira was born on August 27, 1943, in Eufaula, Alabama, to the late Richard Lewis and Margaret Dickerson Lewis Frost. He was born at home with the help of a midwife, as was common in the community at that time. The third of nine children, Ira grew up surrounded by a large and close-knit family. From an early age he demonstrated discipline, determination, and a commitment to excellence. He graduated as valedictorian of the T.V. McCoo High School Class of 1962 and remained engaged with his classmates throughout his life, helping organize and support class reunions over the years.

After graduating from high school, Ira set out for New York City with little more than $400 and a pair of boots. While living there he worked as a taxi driver before answering a greater call to service. In 1964 he enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning a distinguished period of military service.

From March 20, 1964, until January 12, 1973, Ira served honorably on active duty, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Trained as an aircraft maintenance specialist, he worked as a crew chief on B-52 bombers, a mastery of mechanics that remained with him throughout his life. His service took him to duty stations around the world, including McCoy Air Force Base in Orlando, Florida; Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas; and overseas assignments in Guam, Okinawa, and Vietnam. For his dedication and service, he received numerous military honors, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Longevity Service Award, National Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal.

While stationed at McCoy Air Force Base, Ira met Alvenia “Vickie” Hill of Orlando, Florida. Their meeting came through a happy coincidence, as his close friend and fellow airman, the late Melvin Martemus, was dating Vickie’s older sister Maxine. Because they met in a military setting where service members were often addressed by their last names, Vickie came to know him as “Lewis,” a name she and many of their friends and family continued to use throughout his life.

The two were married on March 27, 1968, beginning nearly six decades of marriage and family life together. With sons Keith and Michael born in 1968 and 1971, Ira chose to leave active duty in 1973 so he could be more present for his wife and young family. After leaving active duty in 1973, Ira later continued his commitment to military service by joining the Air Force Reserve during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Following his military career, Ira returned home to Eufaula and continued serving his community through a long and meaningful career with the Alabama Department of Mental Health at the Eufaula Adolescent Adjustment Center. As Sheltered Workshop Manager, he worked faithfully for 25 years, helping guide and support young people before retiring from public service. A firm believer in education and lifelong learning, Ira pursued higher education at Troy University, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. He also shared that knowledge with others, teaching at the Eufaula branch of Riley College in the late 1980s.

In addition to his professional life, Ira was deeply committed to his faith and community. He was a devoted member of New Mt. Zion AME Church, where he served faithfully as a trustee under the leadership of the late Pastor Lakenya Anderson and later Pastor Monica Montgomery.

Ira also possessed an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong sense of civic responsibility. Over the years he operated a produce stand and a convenience store alongside longtime associate Clarence Diggs. He later ran his own tax preparation business and served as a notary public, assisting many members of the community with their financial and legal document needs for decades, continuing the work even as he faced health challenges in later years. He also volunteered at local polling stations, assisting with elections in his community over the years.

He was remarkably handy and loved working with his hands, a passion that traced back to his years as a trained aircraft mechanic. Whether tinkering with cars or tackling home improvement projects with quiet confidence, he approached every task with patience and care, from bathroom renovations to building a covered carport for additional driveway parking.

A lifelong learner in every sense, Ira kept his mind sharp with a daily ritual of crossword puzzles, word jumbles, and sudoku in the morning newspaper. He also enjoyed early morning walks and quiet hours spent fishing whenever he had the opportunity. In the evenings he could often be found watching his favorite classic shows on MeTV, including Perry Mason, The Andy Griffith Show, and The Jeffersons.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Lewis and Margaret Dickerson Lewis Frost; his sister Verna Thomas; and his brothers Willie Coleman, Grady Lewis, and Andrew Lewis.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Alvenia “Vickie” Lewis; his sons Keith (Farrah) and Michael Lewis; and his granddaughters Madison Lewis and Michailey Williams (Tyler). He is also survived by his brothers Raymond Lewis (Virginia Ann), Donald Lewis (Shirley), and Fred Frost (Barbara); his sisters Barbara White (Isaiah) and Alice Frost; his sisters-in-law Maxine Martemus of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Carmen Hill of Orlando, Florida, and Tangia Smikle of Orlando, Florida; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues whose lives were touched by his generosity, wisdom, and quiet strength.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ira Payne Lewis, please visit our floral store.