A young couple welcomed their second child on a warm spring morning, March 17, 1953, in their Savannah, Georgia home. Deacon Everett Lewis, Sr., and Sister Mamie R. Heyward-Lewis had no idea their son, Everett Lewis, Jr., would grow up to embody a leadership, service, and faith legacy. Everett grew up in a close-knit family, learning the value of hard work and community. As a boy attending schools in Chatham County, he cultivated a hunger for knowledge and excellence. That drive carried him to Sophronia M. Tompkins High School (now Woodville-Tompkins High School), where he graduated with pride, and later to Savannah State College, a beacon of opportunity and heritage as an HBCU. But life was beginning for Everett. In 1976, he married the love of his life, Deborah M. Allen, the daughter of Mr. Benjamin Allen and Mrs. Lillian Giles-Allen. Together, they built a family that would include four children—Everett T. III, Travis LaMar, Jennifer Kristina, and Shaunn Allen—who blessed them with thirteen grandchildren and their precious great-granddaughter, Keylasia Lynn. A Military Journey Everett’s life took flight literally and figuratively when he joined the United States Air Force in 1976. From Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas to his first assignment at Castle Air Force Base in California, he demonstrated a natural aptitude for leadership and excellence. His path eventually led him to Misawa Air Base in Japan, where he began building the foundation for a distinguished career. In the Air Force, Everett sought to challenge himself. He was cross-trained as an aircraft loadmaster, and his mastering skills propelled him into a distinguished role at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. His training was rigorous: Basic Loadmaster School, C-5 Transition Training, Survival Training—it was all preparation for the critical missions he would undertake. Over time, Everett became a trusted leader, advancing to Chief, Loadmaster Standardization and Evaluation, and ultimately Loadmaster Superintendent. He was instrumental in certifying cargo for the Lockheed Galaxy C-5, implementing advanced defense systems, and participating in critical classified airlift missions. He served honorably during the nation’s most pivotal moments, including the Gulf War, Operation Desert Shield, and the Liberation of Kuwait. In 2000, after 24 years of service, Everett retired from the Air Force. His uniform was adorned with 23 ribbons, 14 medals, and the Major General Archer L. Durham Award. His dedication, discipline, and courage had earned him a place among the greats. A Life of Brotherhood A devoted Freemason, Lewis was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in Dover Air Force Base Military Lodge #28, Prince Hall Affiliated. Over the years, Everett took on leadership roles within the Masonic community, reflecting his passion for mentoring and guiding others. He served as Past Master of his lodge, Potentate of Fez Temple #231, and Grand Lecturer of the Most Excellent Prince Hall Grand Chapter of Delaware. His ability to inspire and lead brought him to the pinnacle of Masonic achievement: Becoming the 31st Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Delaware in 2024. Today, he continues to serve his Masonic brothers and sisters with the same dedication that defined his military career. Whether as Temple Recorder for Fez Temple #231, Chapter Secretary of Mount Moriah Chapter #5, or Most Worthy Joshua of Rebekah Court #4, Everett exemplifies the values of faith, charity, and brotherhood. A Legacy of Faith and Service Beyond the military and Masonic halls, Everett remains a devoted servant of his community and faith. A proud Taylor Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church member, he is also involved with the NAACP, the John H. Porter-First State Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., and the Professional Loadmaster Association. His life is a testament to a life devoted to commitment—whether to family, country, fraternity, or faith. Everett Lewis, Jr., has built a legacy that inspires all who know him, a life that serves as a beacon of excellence and a reminder that service achieves greatness.