Osia Delmer Lewis, Iii

Lewis, III, Osia Delmer , age 57, of Nashville, TN, died May 31, 2020 following a long battle with liver cancer. Mr. Lewis was a senior defensive analyst at Vanderbilt University at the time of his death. He joined Vanderbilt’s staff in 2016 as senior defensive assistant and outside linebackers coach. Due to his cancer diagnosis, he stepped aside from full-time coaching in 2017, moving into a role of senior defensive assistant and special consultant to head coach Derek Morgan. “Osia Lewis was a special man. His wisdom, love, honesty, truth and faith-based views truly set him apart. He was a foxhole teacher who made you better just being around him,” Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason said in a statement. Mr. Lewis played for Oregon State from 1982-1985 as a linebacker. During his senior campaign, he was team captain and earned honorable mention All-American honors. Mr. Lewis was All-Pac 10 and named the Beavers’ most inspirational player. He earned a bachelor’s in social science and master’s degree in education from Oregon State. Mr. Lewis continued his playing career professionally in the Canadian Football League and in the Arena Football League. Following a brief professional playing career, Mr. Lewis began coaching at Western Oregon in 1989. He then returned to Oregon State, where he served as a linebackers and special teams coach under Jerry Pettibone from 1991-96. Mr. Lewis also had assistant coaching stints at New Mexico and San Diego State while working for former Oregon State defensive coordinator Rocky Long.

He is survived by:

Wife – Darlene Lewis

Children – Marvin and Kiana

A Memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements by Bond Memorial Chapel, N. Mt. Juliet Road and Weston Drive, Mt. Juliet, TN. (615) 773-2663. www.bondmemorial.com