Mr. Edward “Clay” “Snooks” Lewis, age 92, passed away on April 26, 2025, at Skyline Medical Center, surrounded by his family.
Clay dedicated his life to serving his community in many capacities, retiring from law enforcement after an honorable career with the City of Dickson Police Department and the Dickson County Sheriff’s Office. In addition to his public service, he ran a successful hardwood flooring business while working full-time. He has been in the hardwood flooring industry since 1951. He was the best of the best when it came to refinishing and installing hardwood flooring.
Clay also spent several years working at the Dickson Gas Authority and retiring from there. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was a devoted family man who cherished his time with loved ones. Known for his hard work ethic, Clay spent long hours in the hayfield and tending to his garden, where he grew tomatoes, turnip greens, sweet corn, peppers and the list goes on. He also found joy in fishing on the lake, reeling in crappie and catfish.
Clay’s greatest pride and joy were his children, whom he loved unconditionally. Clay married at an early age Doye Cathey and had three little boys. She died suddenly in 1963 after a surgery leaving him with three little guys to raise. Later he met Joyce Winfrey and married, and it was said she fell in love with the boys before she did Clay. She had a sweet little girl named Debbie and he took her as his own as well. He and Joyce continued with their family by having two more children making their family complete. While others might refer to his family as “blended” by definition, to Clay and Joyce they were simply a traditional family—united by love, not labels. He was preceded in death by his first wife Doye, all of his brothers and sisters and a grandson Jeremmy Erranton.
A man of integrity, Clay was known for his word being as good as any contract. A firm handshake was all it took to seal an agreement. In the hardwood flooring industry, he upheld the highest standards, believing firmly in doing things the right way, “The Clay Way” even if it wasn’t always the easiest.
Survivors include his wife of 60 plus years Joyce Lewis; Children, Eddie Lewis (Tammy), Jerry Lewis (Pam), Gary Lewis (Cindy), Debbie Erranton (Robert), Jeff Lewis (Lynn), and Chris Lewis (Becky); 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Wednesday April 30, 2025 at 11 am from the Chapel of Taylor Funeral Home with Mr. Jerry Burgess, Chaplain Larry Story, Sheriff Tim Eads and Mr. Josh Lewis officiating. Place of rest will be in Union Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Tuesday from 4 to 8pm and Wednesday from 9am until service time. https://taylorsince1909.com
Those desiring to make memorials in lieu of flowers can to the Alzheimer’s Association or American Cancer Society.
For more obituaries visit https://dicksoncountysource.com/obituaries/
Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter!
