Charles Russell Lewis Jr.

Charles Russell Lewis Jr., known to most as “Rusty”, was born in Houston, TX on July 8 , 1951 to Charles Russell Lewis “Doc” and Eva Rae Lewis. He left this earthly world peacefully on July 16, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. He grew up in Houston Texas graduating from Madison High School in 1969. He lived in the same home his entire life spending countless years around musicians and watching his father “Doc” play with various bands around the Houston area. He made many good friends living in the same place for so long, but one bond was unbreakable. He met his lifelong best friend “Uncle “Ray Caldwell in kindergarten and have been inseparable ever since. Truly a friendship for the ages.

He fell in love with country music listening to his father play with the likes of Bob Wills as well as many others. As he got older his musical tastes broadened, and he quickly fell in love with playing drums which he enjoyed doing for decades. He grew up in a loving home and had one older sibling, Charles Ray. He was involved in FFA and enjoyed the yearly trail rides associated with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

After high school he attended Alvin Junior College majoring in Animal Husbandry.

He worked at local grocery stores in High School to pay for his pride and joy a brand new 1965 Mustang. There was one customer that would come into the store sometimes to buy just one apple to see if young Rusty was working. He finally got the nerve to talk to this customer, young Linda Tadlock and the rest is history. The two were married in Houston, TX on Oct 9, 1971, and were married for over 53 years. They welcomed their first son Tripp in April of 1974 in Houston Texas.

Shortly after the birth of Tripp he joined the Freemasons and was heavily involved in the Houston chapter, ultimately achieving the level of Master Mason like his father.

In 1976 while working for Safeway Grocers he was transferred to Bryan, Texas. It was here that the young family met neighbors Ken and Judy Gott. Another special lifelong bond was formed eventually being next door neighbors at three different addresses.

In July of 1978 they welcomed their second son John completing their family unit.

The two young boys kept him busy in multiple sports throughout the years as either coach or their number one fan in the stands.

He spent the majority of his professional career in Crop insurance and Purchasing for Texas A&M as well as REC Mechanical making numerous friends along the way.

His second job that he really enjoyed was being the Treasurer of the Brazos County Precinct 3 Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years. If he wasn’t at a fire meeting, you could find him gardening or just follow the fresh smell of sawdust coming from “Poppas shop”.

As he got older his all-time favorite role was that of POPPA. He adored all his grandchildren that included 4 grand daughters and one grandson, and one special young great granddaughter. He didn’t miss an opportunity to support them in everything from countless dance recitals, rodeos, and every sport they could possibly sign up for.

Rusty is survived by his loving wife, Linda Lewis and his sons: Tripp Lewis and wife Molly Lewis, John Lewis and wife Priscilla Lewis. Grandchildren: Payton Lewis, Hallie and Sam Smith, Conley Lewis, Roman Lewis, and Noelle Lewis. Great-Grandchild: Briar Jane Smith.

Rusty is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Russell Lewis and Eva Rae Lewis and brother Charles Ray Lewis.

A visitation will be held at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home, 3001 S. College Avenue, Bryan, on Monday, July 21, 2025 from 5-7 pm. A memorial service will be held at the same location on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 1 pm. In the lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider making a donation to the ALS Association. A link to donate will be displayed below.