Bill Lewis:
CLASS OF 1962
Gardena High SchoolClass of 1962
Gardena, CA
Fullerton CollegeClass of 1965
Fullerton, CA
Bill's Story
My priorities- God, Country, and Family.
While stationed in Seattle with the Navy, I fell in love with a beautiful young lady, then met her wonderful sister who became my wife. After 44 years together, we have (3) Children and (5) Grand Children.
Growing up as a child with a Navy father, I always considered a Navy career when I got older. The draft board "encouraged" me to join when they notified me that they had a spot waiting for me in the Army. So, in keeping with the family's 96 years of military tradition, I enlisted in 1965.
Thanks to my father's and my Navy careers, I have lived in Gardena, Torrance, San Diego, San Francisco-yuk, Guam, Hawaii, Philippines, Vietnam, Anaheim, Fullerton, and many, many Navy ships and air stations.
Life doesn't always turn out the way you expect. One of my biggest surprises in life was that I surpassed my original goal for a Navy Career. Ten years more than I had originally planned. A total of 30 years.
My life long heroes are, without a doubt, The WWII Generation! -- For their Patriotism, Strength, Courage, Dedication, Determination, and unwavering will to triumph over tyranny-- Something our government is certainly missing today.
What you've learned from my kids. -- Balding and gray hair is brought on by raising children. Before they arrived, I had a head of hair and no gray! That's proof enough for me!
How do you (I) hope old friends remember you (me)? After 5 decades since graduating, it would be nice if they even did!
What's th...Expand for more
e wildest thing you ever did in school? The 5th Amendment works well here.
In 10 years, I hope to still be alive . I'm going to get there by monitoring my health. But, I do like a good milk chocolate.
What about me would surprise everyone at my high school reunion? That I was there!
My first job was at CMA (like Gemco), where I was paid $1.50/hr. to bag groceries. What I remember most about it was that I was, the good income, & being the second fastest bagger in the store. My Cousin Dennis was the fastest!
If I won $100 million, I'd give much of it away, then spend the rest on my family and retirement. H... the government will see to it that I keep less than half of it anyway.
The one person from my past who I'd most like to see again is, my first "date", she was 9, I was 10! Her mother took us to the show in 1954. What happened to my first crush? After 50 years of absence, we're meeting for lunch this week. (We did meet for lunch. It was delightful.)
Share a childhood memory you'll never forget. Way too many to list here. Regarding school though-- It would have to be classmate, Trina Nelson. Every time my Navy Dad's career would uproot the family for another 2 yr.duty station, when we'd return to Gardena after 2 years away, Trina's and my friendship would resume where it left off when I moved away. From Sunday school, through Jr. Hi and even High school, my friend was always there upon my return to Gardena. We have known each other for about 60 years now. Incredible.
Register for Free to view all details!
Reunions
Register for Free to view all events!