Rodney D. Lewis

Rodney D. Lewis, was a man who could light up any room with his infectious laughter and optimistic spirit. Born on March 1, 1967, in Turrell, AR, to Wallace Lewis and Annie Lewis, when Rodney was six months old, his parents moved to Michigan City, IN and he went on to live a life filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

A proud graduate of Rogers High School in Michigan City, IN, on May 29, 1985, Rodney continued his education at Trucking School in New Buffalo, MI. His love for the open road led him to a successful career as a truck driver for various companies until he became ill. He was known for skills with the highway, Rodney was the family’s “Human GPS” well before GPS was a thing.

Rodney was also an active member of God's Grace Deliverance Church under the guidance of Pastors Jack and Annie Benning, where his faith and commitment to his community shone brightly.

Rodney's interests were as varied as the many miles he traveled throughout his life. He loved spending time with his mother, going out to eat, and handling business. In fact, he was definitely his mother's only son, and their bond was one for the ages. Rodney was Annie's firstborn son, and their relationship was a testament to the power of love and laughter.

An avid motorcycle enthusiast, Rodney, would often be found riding his Harley Davidson throughout the city with a smile on his face. He had a passion for collecting NASCAR cars, sports cards from baseball and basketball, coins, and nice sporty cars. His love for life and all things fun was evident in everything he did.

Rodney’s personality could best be described as funny, friendly, and optimistic. He had a natural gift for making others laugh and always looked on the bright side of life. In the spirit of his comedic nature, we can imagine Rodney cracking jokes and making light of even the most challenging situations. His ability to find humor in everyday life was a gift that he shared with everyone who knew him.

As we remember Rodney D. Lewis, let us celebrate the joy and laughter he brought into our lives. His memory will live on through the stories we share, the jokes we tell, and the love we continue to hold for him in our hearts. Rodney thank you for the laughter and the love; you will be deeply missed.

Sadly, Rodney passed away on June 22, 2023, at Franciscan Health in Michigan City, IN. Rodney was preceded in death by his father, Wallace; sister, Tressa Lewis; maternal grandparents, Earl Blair and Mary Fuller; paternal grandparents, Oscar Lewis and Altoria Gerron; and paternal aunt, Angel Deal-Torrance.

Rodney’s memories will live on through his beloved and loving mother, Pastor Annie Benning of Michigan City, IN; stepfather, Pastor Jack Benning of Michigan City, IN; brother, Omar Lewis of Michigan City, IN; sisters, Lisa (Stephen) Connally of Liberty Hills, TX, Tomeko (Monty) Patrick of Minneapolis, MN, Lolita Lewis of Bellview, MI, Chrystal Robinson of Killeen, TX, and Jacquette Diggs of Grand Prairie, TX and his beloved cat "Cat Williams". Rodney's legacy will also live on through the countless aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, best friend, Keith Anderson, other friends who were fortunate enough to have been touched by his life.

Funeral Services will be noon, Saturday, July 8th, 2023 at God’s Grace Deliverance Church 301 Barker Avenue, Michigan City. Viewing will be 11am, Saturday, July 8th, 2023 at the church until the time of service. Burial will take place at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

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