Obituary: Milford 'Mel' Lewis

Milford T. “Mel” Lewis, 81, of Franklin, Mich., and Longboat Key, died April 9.

Mr. Lewis ran L&L Wine and Liquor Corp., which his father founded in 1934 in Detroit, from 1957 to 2007. It was the first wholesale liquor license issued in the state of Michigan. He fell into the career at the ripe age of 25 following his father’s sudden death; nonetheless, he displayed “tremendous business acumen,” said his wife, Melvy, who added that “his Hollywood good looks belied his modesty.”

For 35 years, he wintered on Longboat Key, where he enjoyed playing tennis, attending ballet and symphony performances and visiting with friends. He was a member of the Longboat Key Club.

He is remembered as one of the last of the “true gentlemen” and always was considered an honorable man.
He worshipped at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, Mich., and Temple B’nai Israel in Petoskey, Mich.

Mr. Lewis is survived by Melvy, his wife of 41 years; brother, Frank; sons, Steven and Mark; and four grandchildren.

A remembrance open house will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 28, at Water Club condominium, 1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

A funeral was held Sunday, April 14, at Ira Kaufman Chapel in Franklin, Mich. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.