Brian Allen Lewis was born July 12, 1958, to Barbara and Calvin Lewis in Bristol, Virginia. Brian was the eldest son of four children. He was educated in the Virginia Public school system and graduated from Virginia High School.

Brian's love for food and great cooking skills allowed him to work in various positions as a cook. He was employed with the University of Kentucky in Lexington for many years before moving back to Bristol, at which time he worked for Virginia Intermont College. Brian maintained employment until he medically retired due to health issues.

Brian, affectionately known to most as "Sweet Al" and "Uncle Billy Bob," walked to the beat of his own drum in life. Brian had great strength and never gave up hope. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He loved music, eating, and spending time with those he cherished. We will all miss his infectious laugh with a roll of the head, followed by "dammit, man."

Brian was preceded in death by his grandparents, Sarah and Ulysses Hughes; uncles, William "Jack" Hughes (Shirley), David Hughes, Sr. (Barbara), and Allen Hughes, Sr. (Roberta); and sisters, Bettye Jo Hughes and Gloria Jean Hughes.

On December 2, 2023, the Lord called him home to rest. To cherish his memory Brian leaves his mother, Barbara Laverne Lewis of Bristol, Virginia; three sisters, Angela "Buffy" Forney (David) of Macomb, Michigan, Vonetta Lewis of Johnson City, Tennessee, and Tamiko Lewis of Bristol, Virginia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, his dog, "Cholo"; and special friend, Tiffany Whittmore.