Royce Clay Lewis, Iii

Royce Clay Lewis, III passed away on December 21, 2022, at his home in Lubbock, Texas.

Royce was born on September 1, 1948, in Houston, Texas to the late Dr. Royce C. Lewis Jr. and wife, Ruthie Lewis (nee Adams).  As the son of a prominent orthopedic surgeon, Royce’s childhood would see him grow-up in multiple places before arriving in Lubbock in his formative years.

Royce was a 1966 Graduate of Coronado High School.  Upon graduation, Royce would attend Texas Tech University for his undergraduate studies, and he would eventually obtain his Master’s Degree from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University in 1983.

A degree wouldn’t be the only thing Royce found while at SMU, it was during this time that he would meet Linda Ann Lombardi and on January 23, 1982, the two of them were married in Pasadena, California.  Together, they would embark on a journey as life partners and business partners that would span more than 40 years.

In 1986, on a card table and with a desk borrowed from his father, Royce and Linda would create Capital Mortgage Services of Texas.  With the mission of helping people obtain a piece of “the American Dream” through home ownership, Royce and Linda would grow Capital Mortgage Services from the humblest of beginnings as mortgage loan originators into a complete mortgage operation consisting of a billion-dollar servicing portfolio, with clients across the 50 states and the Virgin Islands.

Whether it was the needs of the company, the needs of an employee or the need to find a home for “the next deal,” as the CEO of Capital Mortgage Services, there wasn’t an aspect of their business or a challenge in front of him that he didn’t meet head on.  Together with Linda, Capital Mortgage Services of Texas has celebrated 36 years of success in an industry where longevity is a rarity.

Royce was a fierce and loyal supporter of Texas Tech University.  He cherished the relationships that were created over the years with coaches, players and administrators.  A plane ride with Coach Leach, a phone call with Coach McGuire, a lunch with Dr. Schovanec, or a visit with Coach Tadlock in the dugout at the Dan Law Field, these were the instances that Royce truly enjoyed.  Being an avid Red Raider, Royce contributed throughout Texas Tech Athletics for many years.  Most recently, Royce and Linda committed a substantial amount to the new Texas Tech Baseball Team Facility.  The Player Development Center inside the new team facility will be named in their honor.

While his work and his university were tops on his list, Royce’s family was, by far the most important thing to him.  A man of tradition, Royce would celebrate everyone’s birthday each with a special dinner.  He loved the crowd that would come by Royce and Linda’s home on Halloween to see the decorations and get a treat or two.  He would bless every Thanksgiving meal.  And the day after Thanksgiving would mark Royce’s favorite time of year, Christmas.  The decorations, the buying of everyone’s Christmas tree, the Christmas eve family celebration, Royce pulled out all the stops for Christmas.  His excitement and joy were infectious and his love for Christmas could be seen by anyone who saw him or their expertly decorated home.

Those left to cherish the memory of Royce are his wife of 40 years, Linda Lewis.  His son, Royce C. Lewis IV (Brandi), of Lubbock.  Daughters, Jennifer Lea Shaw (Rusty) of Lubbock and Amy Cohen (Bill) of Lubbock.  Grandchildren, Shannon, Melanie and Claire Cohen and Brandon Shaw.  His brother, Ron Lewis (Frances) of San Marcos, Texas along with numerous nieces and nephews.  Royce was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Riki Long.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 27, 2022, from 5 PM to 7:30 PM, at the Venue on Broadway, 2202 Broadway, Lubbock, Texas.  Funeral Services will be Wednesday December 28, 2022, at 2 PM at the Venue on Broadway 2202 Broadway, Lubbock, Texas, with Mike Hensley officiating.  Final rites and interment will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park under the personal care and direction of Combest Family Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Russell Shaw, William Cohen, Brandon Shaw, Daniel Lewis, Arthur Lombardi, and Robert Lombardi.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Red Raider Club which supports student athletes in all 17 Texas Tech programs.  Checks can be made payable to Red Raider Club, Box 45055, Lubbock, Texas 79409 or visit www.redraiderclub.com