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He lived the kind of life that left grease on the hands, mud on the truck, fish stories in the air, and plenty of laughter in between.

Edward Lee Lewis Jr., known to many as Lil Bo, passed away on September 6, 2026, in Nacogdoches, the same town where his story began on August 8, 1982. He lived the kind of life that left grease on the hands, mud on the truck, fish stories in the air, and plenty of laughter in between.

Edward graduated from Central Heights High School on May 25, 2001, and went on to become the sort of mechanic people talk about with equal parts admiration and relief. He was a great mechanic and could fix anything, which likely made him very popular with friends, family, and probably anyone whose vehicle made a suspicious noise within a three-county radius. He was a true jack of all trades, the kind of man who could step in at a moment’s notice, figure things out, and somehow make hard work look like just another Tuesday.

He loved to fish, loved riding backroads, and absolutely loved playing in the mud in his truck, which sounds less like a hobby and more like a personal calling. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and those hours were full ones—full of stories, laughter, rebuilding, and showing up for people. One cherished memory shared by his family was the many hours spent helping their dad rebuild his truck, laughing and playing all the while, along with the numerous fishing trips that made ordinary days into lasting treasures.

Edward was known for being outgoing, caring, and endlessly willing to help. He never met a stranger, and if you did meet him, there was a good chance you left feeling like you had known him much longer than five minutes. His daughter Zoey said he “was the best dad, and forever will be the best dad,” and his grandmother Carroll shared that “he would bend over backwards to be there for anyone.” That spirit ran through everything he did. Among his proudest accomplishments were taking care of his children, working on rebuilding relationships with his sons, and going above and beyond for anyone who needed him.

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He was a true jack of all trades, the kind of man who could step in at a moment’s notice, figure things out, and somehow make hard work look like just another Tuesday.

His faith and service to others were also a meaningful part of his life. He looked forward to every first Monday of the month, when Kings Highway Church held their Gettin It Right Bull Riding buck out. He loved helping there and making all the kids happy and eager to hear the Glorious Word of God. As his family lovingly reminds us: Jesus is Lord, and, “Turn your eyes upon JESUS, look full in HIS wonderful face.”

Edward leaves behind a family who will carry his memory forward with love, stories, and no doubt a few good-natured laughs about the way he lived life full throttle. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Green Lewis; his father, Ed Lewis and wife Margaret; his Mamaw Carroll Gill,  his children, Edward “Trey” Lewis III, Zoey “My Little Woman” Lewis, Cody Alan Lewis and wife Maddi. His grandchildren, Oakley, Paisley, Harvey, and Easton, who added another layer of joy to his life.

He is also survived by his sister Regina Morton and husband Robert “Crazy Man”; his special sis, Amanda Lewis; his special bro, Dylan; his nephew Delwin Lewis and wife Feather; his great-nephew Grayson; his great-niece Marilyn; Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends turned family. This is a family circle held together by love, memory, and the unmistakable mark Edward left on each of them.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kelsey Lewis; his mother, Marilyn Lewis; his great-grandparents, D.T. and Elzada Gill; his grandfather Harvey Gill; his grandparents Hubert and Dora Lewis; and his cousin Rickey Flanagan.

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He absolutely loved playing in the mud in his truck, which sounds less like a hobby and more like a personal calling.

Lil Bo will be remembered as a man with a big heart, a helping hand, a fearless fondness for backroads and mud, and a gift for making people feel welcome. He fixed things, showed up, laughed hard, loved his people, and made life brighter and louder in the best ways. His family and friends will miss him deeply, but they will also remember him the way he would likely prefer: with love, gratitude, and at least one story that starts with, “You are not going to believe what he got that truck into.”