David Lewis
February 8, 1937 - May 9, 2016

David M. Lewis1937 - 2016

A life well lived has ended. David M. Lewis died on May 9, 2016. Born on February 8, 1937 to Joe and Clara ("Tot") Lewis, David grew up in the Houston Heights. He attended San Jacinto High School, The University of Texas at Austin and graduated from the University of Houston and spent a lifetime in the commercial real estate industry in Houston, Texas.
In 1956 he met the love of his life, Millicent Gordon. Despite the best efforts of her parents, they were married on July 16, 1960 and were partners in life for the next 55 years. David and Millicent had two children, Greg and Ellanie, and there was nothing he loved more than spending time with them.
David started in the appraisal business in 1960. By 1962, with his first child on the way he did the only logical thing he could think of, quit his job and started his own real estate appraisal company which later, working with his brother Paul, became known as Real Property Analyst.
David earned the professional designations of Member Appraisal Institute (MAI) and Counselor of Real Estate (CRE). He was the past president of The Society of Real Estate Appraisers and The Counselors of Real Estate, served on the City of Houston Planning Commission, was the managing local consultant in the appraisal of the City of Houston and served as a founding member of the Harris County Appraisal District. Always wanting to give back to his profession, he taught for the Institute of Real Estate Appraisers and lectured on valuation principals at universities across the country. As an expert witness in matters involving real property "David... became #1 choice for the City Attorney in any case that was destined to be settled in court" wrote his long time friend and mentor Mayor Louie Welch. As a real estate consultant he advised Texas Eastern on the acquisition of 36 square blocks in the CBD and as an investor and developer he bought and sold numerous tracts of land and developed small office buildings and shopping centers. After a brief semi-retirement, David formed Lewis Realty Advisors in 1988 where he focused on litigation support and consulting assignments. An advocate only of his opinion, David was sought by governmental agencies and property owners alike and was qualified as an expert witness in county, state and federal courts.
David was a generous supporter of numerous communal causes, a member of Congregation Beth Israel and served on its board of trustees. He was an avid hunter, excellent dominoes player, terrible but fun golfer and never met a risk at a gaming table he was not willing to take. An original member of the Houstonian, David could be found almost every weekday morning at the club working out and eating breakfast with his dear friends. But his favorite times were spent with his family and friends on Lake Travis. First at Point Venture, then Lakeway and finally Barton Creek Lakeside but mostly just floating on the lake in his boat or pulling his kids and their friends water skiing. There was never a sunrise or sunset over the Lake he was not willing to witness, a golf cart ride with his grandkids he was not willing to go on or a shot of tequila he was not willing to take.
David will be missed greatly. He is preceded in death by parents, his brother Harvey and his daughter Ellanie Beth Lewis. He is survived by his wife Millicent, son Greg and daughter-in law Sue, his two grand children Ella and Jake and his brother Paul. The family would like to thank the care givers at Autumn Leaves where David spent the last two years of his life and Dr. Norman Berkman for his compassion and friendship though out David's life and his battle with dementia.
A funeral service will be held graveside at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery (1037 Post Oak Rd), Rabbi Adrienne P. Scott officiating. Donations in David's Memory can be made to Congregation Beth Israel at www. http://www.beth-israel.org/giving, Jewish Family Service at www.jfshouston.org or the charity of your choice.

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