Robert Larry Lewis, 81, passed away peacefully at his home on February 4, 2023 from complications of stage IV pancreatic cancer. His family & friends surrounded him until the very end, expressing their love and appreciation for a life well lived.

When the doctor told him that nothing else could be done to prevent the inevitable, Larry reached out his hand and said, in a weakened yet still commanding voice, "Keep doing good, Doc." Encouraging & coaching came naturally to him, and his was an impactful life.

A Buckeye to his core, Larry was born and raised in Wellsville, OH by two amazing parents, Bob & Natalie Lewis. They were so proud when he graduated from Muskingum College, began his career in education, and started a family of his own. Not only did he raise three strong and independent daughters, but he also influenced thousands of young people over the decades as he rose through the ranks of the Mansfield City School System in Mansfield, OH.

Whether it was as a history teacher, a football/basketball/track coach, an assistant principal, a principal, or a personnel director, Larry worked tirelessly to create an environment in which students could & would flourish. It surprised no one when, in 1988, he was awarded Outstanding Educator in Ohio. He never lost sight of what was truly important - people.

A smile spread across his face when, in his final days, his family read to him messages from family, friends, and former students, many of whom still called him "Coach." What joy that brought him! Larry reveled in others' successes & happiness and relished loud, open-mouthed, knee-slapping, head-thrown-back laughs that always ensued when he was around. More than anything, he encouraged you to believe in yourself & your potential and to enjoy your journey.

After retiring the first time, Larry discovered his paradise in Port Orange, FL - his home overlooking Rose Bay. He loved his life there and continued to impact others' lives as Director of Personnel for the Volusia County Schools until retiring a second time. He then had even more time to do what he enjoyed, volunteering. Whether it was being a delivery driver for Meals on Wheels, serving on Covenant United Methodist Church's Leadership Council, going on mission trips, or socializing with seniors in nursing homes - just to name a few - he did it all with zest and dedication.

Larry will be deeply missed by his wife, Nina; his siblings, Chuck & Cindy Lewis and Kim Lewis & Don McCallister; his children, Jodi Lewis, Kelly & Adam Hill, and Amy & Philip Wakeman; and his treasured and talented granddaughters, Emma Wakeman, Annie Whaley, and Stella Wakeman.

The family expresses sincere gratitude to Ryan & Melinda Veilleux and their family for the love, friendship, and support they gave Larry throughout the years, particularly during his final weeks, so that he could gaze out at Rose Bay as he left this world.

To honor his life, and if you feel so compelled, contributions may be made to Covenant United Methodist Church, Port Orange, FL; your local Meals on Wheels or food bank; or any other organization that strives to help. You could also just simply chat with your neighbors in the backyard & share some hearty laughter.

When Larry pops into your mind from time to time, think of him extending his hand and saying to you, "Keep doing good." Well, that or "Go Bucks!"