Booker T. Lewis was found shot to death inside his Panama City bail bonds office and is remembered as a devoted husband, father of two, brother, uncle and grandfather. A retired Health and Physical Education teacher with Bay County Public Schools and a WWII veteran, he also taught Sunday school and served as a deacon at St. John Baptist Church. He ran a bail bonds business after retiring from teaching.

On the evening of September 19, 1984, Booker left home about 7:00 pm to run errands before going to his office. Sometime between about 7:30 pm and 10:00 pm he missed a phone call and did not return or contact family. His niece, Nellie Lewis, discovered him around 8:00 am the next morning, September 20, shot once in the chest. His wallet, jewelry and money remained on his person, the office showed no sign of struggle or forced entry, and witnesses reported hearing a gunshot around 8:00 pm the night before.

The case is open but cold with no established motive. Anyone with information is asked to contact Panhandle Crime Stoppers at (850) 785-TIPS (8477).