Cecil M. Lewis

Cecil M. Lewis, 85, of Lakeland, died Saturday, May 2, 2009, at his residence in Lakeland of heart failure. Born April 9, 1924 in Blakely, GA, Mr. Lewis has been a resident of Lakeland for 7 years, moving from Fort Pierce. He was a former longtime resident of Bartow. A graduate of Lake Wales High School, Mr. Lewis served in the Army Medical Corps in WW II. Mr. Lewis began a career in county government in 1958 as Polk County Personnel Director. He also served as Purchasing Agent, and Director of Administrative Services. In 1977 Mr. Lewis became the first appointed County Administrator for Polk County. He served under 19 different county commissioners before his retirement in 1982. He was a former member of First Baptist Church of Bartow; Mental Health Board of Polk County & Florida Sheriff Youth Villa. He is preceded in death by his wife Virginia "Mickey" Lewis and daughter Gail Grob. He is survived by his son: Bradley T. & wife Joy Lewis of Longwood, Fla. 3 grandchildren: Leigh Ann & husband David Henderson of Fort Lauderdale; Michael Lewis of Orlando & Brian Lewis of Longwood; a great Grandchild: Abigail Henderson of Fort Lauderdale. Family will receive friends Thursday May 7, 5-7 pm at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow. Funeral services will be held Friday 2:00 pm at the funeral home. Interment with Military Honors will be held at Lake Wales Cemetery. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com