Willie D. Lewis, Long-time Conservative Leader, Passes

Willie D. Lewis, affectionately known as “W.D.,” was born November 7, 1938, and peacefully passed away of natural causes on November 4, 2025, in Baton Rouge at the age of 86. 

Willie leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Tharis Ennis Lewis, and devoted daughter, Chenese Lewis.

He is also survived by his brother, Edward Lewis of Maringouin; sister-in-law Lillian Ennis Robinson; and brother-in-law Rev. Emile Ennis, Sr. (Sharon) of Atlanta. 

Nephews Anthony H. Johnson (Karen) of New Roads; Robert Robinson, and Emile Ennis, Jr. (AJ) of Los Angeles; nieces Carolyn Lewis of Maringouin and Shawn Jenkins of Beaumont; two goddaughters, Kymberli Durden (Willie) of Covington, GA, and Felicia Brumfield Gathe of Zachary, and a host of cousins, extended family, and friends who will miss him dearly. 

Visitation was at Wesley United Methodist Church, 544 Government St. in Baton Rouge on Friday, November 14, 2025. Interment was at Greenoaks Memory Park Mausoleum, 9595 Florida Blvd.