Bennie Lewis Sr., the iconic basketball coach who turned East St. Louis Lincoln into a national powerhouse and left a mark on Illinois high school sports, passed away at the age of 87.
Known simply as “Boss” in his community, Lewis built a legacy that transcended wins and championships, creating a brotherhood of athletes, mentors, and leaders.
A native of East St. Louis, Lewis was a standout player at Lincoln Senior High in the 1950s under his own mentor, Ed “Tree” Harris.
That early experience laid the foundation for what would become a storied coaching career.
Returning to coach his alma mater in 1971, Lewis led the Lincoln Tigers to an astonishing 519-191 record over 27 seasons, with four Illinois Class AA state championships in the 1980s, cementing his place in basketball history.
Bennie Lewis Found Success In Coaching At Lincoln High School
Coach Lewis’ Lincoln teams were both dominant and historic.
His Tigers captured state titles in 1982, 1987, 1988, and 1989, with the final three forming a rare and legendary championship three-peat.
The 1982 squad set the stage, winning behind a star frontcourt of Tyrone Jackson, Todd Porter, and Calvin Phiffer.
In 1987 and 1988, led by All-American LaPhonso Ellis, Lincoln defeated Chicago King and St. Francis de Sales, respectively, en route to back-to-back titles.
The 1989 championship, however, remains etched in Illinois basketball lore.
With Ellis graduated and expectations lowered, Lewis rallied a new core, Cuonzo Martin, Vincent Jackson, and Chris McKinney, and defied the odds.
The Tigers knocked off powerhouse Chicago King in the semifinals and capped it off with a triple-overtime thriller over undefeated No. 1 Peoria Central.
Vincent Jackson’s buzzer-beating jump shot delivered the Tigers’ third consecutive state title and secured Lewis’ legacy as one of the game’s greatest minds.
After Lincoln, He Took Over East St. Louis High School
After Lincoln High School closed in 1998, Lewis took over at East St. Louis High School, where he posted a 62-33 record over three seasons with the Flyers.
Though he retired from coaching shortly after, his influence never waned.
In 2000, Lewis was named Coach of the Century in Illinois by the Chicago Tribune, and he was later inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
A special tribute in East St. Louis in 2022 celebrated his lifetime of contributions to the community.
Beyond the court, Lewis worked with FIBA as a player agent, consulted through JTW Business & Sports Consultancy, and studied at Tennessee State University and SIU Edwardsville.
He remained deeply connected to the game and the young people it uplifted.
Bennie Lewis Was A Dotted Husband And Father Of Two
Coach Bennie Lewis is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Rowena Lewis, and their two children, Ricky Lewis and Dr. Carla Lewis-Longley.
He also leaves behind countless extended family members, former players, and mentees who considered him not just a coach but a guiding force in their lives.
In a heartfelt message after his passing, Rowena wrote:
Good Morning, my message is different. My hubby, my bff just transitioned. He’s not here. Prayers.
Via Facebook
The outpouring of tributes from former students and family members reflects the deep loss felt across generations.
One said,
Rest in Peace to one of the world’s greatest coaches… We love you and will miss you dearly.
Via Facebook
Another added,
Even though Mr. Bennie Lewis Sr. was 87 and married to my fav Mrs. Rowena Lewis for 68 years, he was still in love and amazing. Rest up, beast of a coach.
Via Facebook
A family member wrote,
Uncle Benny was a giant in the community and an even bigger giant to me… cool, sophisticated, funny. Please keep our family in prayer. Although my heart is extremely heavy, I know he is with the Lord… Take your rest, Uncle. I’m truly going to miss you.
Via Facebook
