Booker Lewis was a compassionate and loving husband, father of two, brother, uncle, and grandfather.

Booker T. Lewis was a retired Health and Physical Education teacher for the Bay County Public School System. Booker, a WWII veteran, operated his own bail bonds establishment after his retirement from teaching until his death in 1984. Booker loved teaching as he also served as a Sunday school teacher at the St. John Baptist Church, where he was also a Deacon.

The day of Booker's death.

On the evening of September 19, 1984, Booker left his home at approximately 7:00 pm to run a couple of errands, before going to his bail bondsman office in Panama City, FL. Once he arrives at his office, he works for a bit until he is suddenly interrupted by an unidentified individual.

Some time between 7:30 pm and 10:00 pm that evening, Booker misses a phone call. Booker did not return home on Wednesday night or called home to let his loved ones know he wasn't coming home that night. No one heard from him prior to his death.

Booker T. Lewis is found shot inside his Bail Bondsman office.

He was discovered dead in his office around 8:00 am on Thursday, September 20th 1984 by his niece, Nellie Lewis. Nellie found her uncle on the floor of his office where he was shot once in the chest. Lewis was found with his wallet, jewelry and money still on his body where it appeared that nothing was removed from his person. Lewis' office space was undisturbed and there was no sign of a struggle or any signs of forced entry. Booker’s time of death is estimated to be around 8:00 pm on September 19, 1984, based on witness reports regarding a gunshot around that time.

"He was dealing with these types of people, yet he was a nice guy. I don't think I've ever heard anybody say anything bad about him." - Sheriff Pitts

Where the case stands today.

Today, this case is considered cold and has an open status. There were not any signs of a robbery, struggle or forced entry, along with no established motive available for authorities to use during the course of their investigation. If you have any information, please contact Panhandle Crime Stoppers at (850) 785-TIPS (8477).