In loving memory of Wallace "Ace" Stanton Lewis

Obituary

Jesus called Ace home on May 12, 2022, in the early morning hours after fighting throat cancer. Ace was born in Norfolk, VA on August 15, 1944, to Gilbert and Frances Lewis, their only child.

Ace met the love of his life Patty as their angels arranged a chance meeting at a drive-in theater concession stand while he was with his cousin, and she was with her best friend. The rest they say, “is history”. Their love lasted over 61 years, celebrating their 60^th wedding anniversary while he was in the care of hospice at their home in April. Their love was one of duration, commitment, and dedication to each other, through ups and downs, good times and bad, happiness, sadness, life, and loss. This marriage is what the very definition of marriage is made of. Through it all, God was there.

Patty was Aces’ caretaker during the past several years, and her devotion to him never wavered not an inch. The sleepless nights over the past two months didn’t deter her mission to be with him, take care of him, and be the one who loved him each moment of each day. Although he was ill, when she broke her ankle late last year and had pneumonia, Ace rallied and was her caretaker. He was given the strength to get her through not being able to drive and do all she needed to do. He was her rock as much as she was his. Although she is happy Ace is dancing in Heaven, she will forever miss her sweetheart.

Ace was a welder by trade, and he made his living doing what he loved. He is known to have been the teacher of welding to more than we could count. Ace was a humble man but those who knew him sang his praises high enough for all to hear. He taught his son Dean the trade of welding who also made his living as a welder prior to his death three years ago.

Ace had a real passion for the mountains and loved to travel with his wife to the smokeys as often as they could. Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and the like would always play on the drive there and back.

A close second to the mountains would have been his love of the drums, keyboard, and guitar, although it seemed to have all started with the bongos in his early years. Some people will remember Ace was an amazing dancer. Back in the day the man with the rhythm would dance up a storm and tried hard to teach others, but you have to “have it” he said. He had it.

His true love was his grandson, Joshua. Ace took off an entire year after Joshua was born to take care of him, so he didn’t have to go to daycare at two months old. He couldn’t bear the thought of a stranger taking care of his grandson at that age. That year defined the relationship he would have with Joshua until his last breath. The bond the two had and will have through eternity is beyond what words could express. Joshua will always be what Ace felt he did right in life. He was a dedicated grandfather who loved without exception. During their last visit Ace didn’t have sorrow for his pending death, he had words for his grandson, special words that will remain part of his legacy. The bond beyond life on earth.

Aces’ daughter Robin was not by birth but by choice. Robin entered Ace’s life when she was about ten years old as she was the daughter he never had, he was the father she always craved, needed and was so grateful for in life. There are many stories in life if you just pay attention and listen. This is one of those stories. Those of you that know, KNOW. Ace was a very special man in so many ways, this was just one of them.

Ace was a member of the Crossroads Church in South Daytona and had a beautiful church family there which helped him and his wife Patty through these past few years. Aces’ last notes on his desk before he couldn’t write anymore were scriptures. He watched, listened, read, and wrote scripture. The man knew his Bible and was a faithful servant of the Lord.

Ace is predeceased by his parents and his son Dean. He is survived by his wife Patty, daughter Robin J Wood (Bill) of Key West, Grandson Joshua Lewis Wood (LaTecia), Washington State, Great Grandsons Tyler, Port Orange, and Amanze, Los Angeles.

Visitation and Memorial Gathering for Patty and the family will be at Baldwin Brothers in Ormond Beach, 1185 W. Granada Blvd. #11, on Tuesday, May 24th, between the hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The family would like to thank Kindred Hospice for their dedication, their kindness, tenderness, compassion, and sincerity through the past two months while Ace transitioned from home to our Heavenly Father to begin his real life while he waits for the rest of us.

Amazing Grace. It’s amazing indeed.