Carl Ray Lewis II, 52, executive editor of Oklahoma's Southwest Ledger and the Southwest Chronicle, dies in sleep

Apr 1, 2023

LAWTON, Oklahoma — Carl Ray Lewis II, a veteran newspaperman who was executive editor of the Southwest Ledger and the Southwest Chronicle, died in his sleep at his home here on March 6, 2023. He was 52.

In 2010, Lewis enrolled at Murray State College at Tishomingo, where he studied behavioral sciences. While there, he was a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and was named to Who’s Who Among Students at American Colleges and Universities in 2012.

Continuing his education, Lewis earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science from East Central University at Ada in 2017.

In addition, he was a member of ECU’s Student Government Association, the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature, the ECU Young Democrats and the Gay-Straight Alliance, according to biographical information posted on LinkedIn.

Also while at ECU, Lewis worked on the school newspaper, The Journal. He started as a staff writer and progressed to become editor-in-chief.

After graduating from East Central, Lewis was hired at The Ada News, where he worked for a little over five years, 2015-20. Once again, he started as a staff reporter and advanced to become the editor for almost two and a half years.

He joined Hilliary Media Group two and a half years ago, on Sept. 1, 2020.

At the time of his death, Lewis had been a member of the Oklahoma Press Association for eight years and a member of Investigative Reporters and Editors for six years.

Carl was born Jan. 24, 1970, in Midlothian, Texas. He is survived by four children: Justin Lewis of the home in Lawton; Sean Lewis of Denton, Texas; Bryan Lewis of The Colony, Texas; and Brandon Lewis of Oklahoma. He also is survived by his sister, Amy Stone, of Calera; his father, Carl Ray Lewis of North Carolina; and four grandchildren.

Justin, his youngest son, wrote on Facebook recently, “My father loved his kids, his coffee, his Zippo lighters, his Swiss Army knives, Star Trek, Star Wars, Stephen King, Apple products and so much more.”

Becker-Rabon Funeral Home said no funeral services are planned. Cremation is planned, a family member said.