Longboat Key Obituaries: Nov. 2, 2017

Fulton Lewis III

Fulton Lewis III, 81, of Sarasota, died Sept. 6.

Mr. Lewis was born on Jan. 25, 1936 in Washington, D.C., to the pioneer broadcast commentator Fulton Lewis Jr. and Alice Huston Lewis.

He graduated from the University of Virginia, where he majored in speech, radio/TV and political science. His first job in broadcasting was as news director of a station in Jamestown, N.Y. After, he was hired as a research director by the House Un-American Activities Committee of the U.S. Congress. In 1963, he was named field director of Young Americans for Freedom. Mr. Lewis worked in support of presidential candidate Barry Goldwater, for whom he also wrote speeches.

In the early ’60s, Mr. Lewis became involved with his father’s work in broadcasting and substituted for him. When his father died, Mr. Lewis was approached by the Mutual Broadcasting System to continue his father’s nightly broadcast, which he did until 1979. His commentaries were heard on more than 500 of the network affiliates. 

Mr. Lewis retired to Florida in 1980 and established several small business. He served on volunteer boards, including The Broadcasters Club of Florida. He was active in the Media Roundtable. He received numerous awards, including Broadcaster of the Year, from the Broadcasters Club of Florida. Mr. Lewis is survived by his son, Fulton Lewis IV; daughters Alexandra Lewis and Kelley Lewis; three grandchildren; and his loving companion Karen Curlin.

A service will be held from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, at Bay Isles Beach Club, 2111 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Donations can be made to the Sarasota Memorial Health Care Foundation Inc., Palliative Care, 1515 S. Osprey Av., Suite #B4, Sarasota, FL 34239.