Roland Charles Lewis, Jr., 81, passed away on February 25, 2026 at Orlando Regional Medical Center in Orlando, Florida.

Born on July 3,1944 at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. Roland was the son of Roland and Margaret Lewis, Sr. He graduated from Myrtle Beach High School in 1962 where he enjoyed playing football and baseball. Roland lived life at full speed. He was an adventurous and intelligent man full of incredible fortitude. He answered the call of duty to serve and enlisted in the United States Army in November 1964. He was a Staff Sergeant and extremely proud of being a Green Beret and Paratrooper. He was a distinguished Vietnam Veteran earning three Bronze Star Medals two with Valor, Purple Heart Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge. He retired honorably in November 1972 after suffering a gunshot wound to the leg. His service, particularly his dedication to his fellow soldiers, left a lasting mark on the remainder of his life.

Following his military service, Roland graduated from Neosho Technical College in Missouri with a certification in Water Treatment Engineering in 1973. He moved to Lake County, Florida after this where he charmed Linda into becoming his wife in 1977. He continued his academic resume through environmental certifications from the University of Florida. Roland was a dedicated advocate for all things environmental. He loved sharing his knowledge of flora and fauna with anyone who would listen. He served his local community as an environmental engineer for decades. He was an active youth sports coach, mentor, and layman serving many churches in the area. Roland loved Jesus with all his heart and served His people faithfully. He and his wife were Celebrate Recovery leaders and Care Counselors working to restore hundreds of individuals and couples to find a fulfilling life in Christ. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, bicycling, drag racing, motorcycle riding, being outdoors, cheering on his Florida Gators and spending time with his grandchildren.

Roland is survived by Linda, his loving wife of 49 years; beloved children Scott Lewis (Jeni), Rebekah Pleitez (Bryan), and Nicole McDaniel (Schirra); adored grandchildren Corey Sutton, Evan Sutton, Hunter Lewis, Levi Lewis, Dante Pleitez, Tegan McDaniel, Marcus Pleitez, and Lincoln McDaniel; respected brother David Lewis; nieces Laura Lewis and Shelly Pilkington, nephews Ryan Lewis and Jason Pilkington, and many fun-loving cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, many aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers in arms, and his grandson, Christian Pleitez.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Real Life Christian Church 1501 Steves Road, Clermont, Florida on Saturday, March 21 at 11:00 am. A funeral service with full military honors will be held for family and close friends at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. The family asked, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Real Life Care Ministry to continue Roland’s work of helping others.