Gerald A. Lewis Explained

Gerald A. Lewis
Office:Florida State Comptroller
Term:January 7, 1975 – January 3, 1995
Birth Date:31 March 1934
Birth Place:Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
Party:Democratic
Alma Mater:Harvard University
Children:Patricia, Bethellen and Susan
Allegiance: United States
Rank:Captain
Unit:Paratrooper

Gerald Alvin Lewis (March 31, 1934 – January 25, 2022) was an American attorney and politician who served in the Florida House of Representatives and was the 26th comptroller of the State of Florida, serving from January 7, 1975, to January 3, 1995.[1]

Life and career

Born in 1934 in Birmingham, Alabama, to Bernard and Molly Lewis, Gerald Lewis was educated in Birmingham schools before attending Harvard College and graduating with an A.B. degree in 1955. He then spent the next two years on active duty as a paratrooper with the United States Army, attaining the rank of captain.

Lewis moved to Florida in 1960. Prior to moving, he returned to Harvard to obtain a LL.B degree. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1965 for Dade County, Florida, and served until 1970. He later served as the state comptroller under governors Reubin Askew, Bob Graham, Bob Martinez, and Lawton Chiles.[2]

Lewis was married to national Democratic Party political strategist Ann Lewis until their 1968 divorce.

Lewis died on January 25, 2022, at the age of 87.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Morris, Allen Covington . The Florida Handbook . Allen Morris (historian) . 1981 . Peninsular Pub. Co. . 18 .
  2. Web site: Membership of the Florida House of Representatives by County, 1845-2012 . Ward, Robert L. / Florida House of Representatives . 2011 . December 11, 2011.
  3. Web site: Cotterell. Bill. January 25, 2022. 'He faithfully served': Former Florida Comptroller Gerald Lewis dies at 87. January 28, 2022. Tallahassee Democrat. en-US.