BUENA VISTA — Mr. Russell E. Lewis Jr., 64, of Buena Vista, Ga., passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, at his residence.

Visitation will be held on from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, 2018, at Watson-Tante Funeral Home. A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, at Tazewell Cemetery.

Mr. Lewis was born March 26, 1953, in Albany, Ga., to Russell Eldon Lewis Sr. and Marie Fowler Cagle. He was the wildlife manager at Buck Creek Plantation in Tazewell, Ga. Russell loved working outdoors, but his passion was to train bird dogs while handling them from his horse. From the prairies of North Dakota to plantations across Southwest Georgia, Russell was able to saddle up his horse each day and live a life that only most could dream. Russell’s love for and dedication to his craft was evident to all who knew him. He was respected throughout the bird dog training community. While he was an accomplished and respected bird dog trainer, Russell was most proud of his family, especially his seven grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie Lewis of Buena Vista, Ga.; two sons, Thomas and Carole Lewis of Buena Vista, Ga., and Michael and Jordan Lewis of Palm City, Fla.; two sisters, Penny and Glenn Tyler of Washouga, Wash., and Anna and Dale Novobielski of Yakima, Wash.; grandchildren, Brittany Lewis, Haley and Blake Johnson, Lexi Lewis, Brycen Lewis, Lily Lewis, Laine Lewis, and Landry Lewis. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Please visit www.watsontantefuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register for Mr. Lewis.

Watson-Tante Funeral Home of Buena Vista, Ga., is in charge of the arrangements.