Blue Wahoos Share In Pensacola's Mourning The Loss Of Lewis Bear Jr. 

Lewis Bear Jr. had a lifetime legacy of caring, donating and supporting Pensacola, which included his company being a charter partner of the Blue Wahoos from the inaugural 2016 season.

Through five generations, the Lewis Bear Company is the oldest, continuous, family-owned distributor of Anheuser-Busch products in the world.

That incredible distinction included Mr. Bear and his family’s support of the Blue Wahoos, the experience provided at the renown bayfront stadium, along with connections with Major League Baseball.

Sadly, one of Pensacola’s greatest iconic figures passed away March 3 at age 82, surrounded by his family.

The Blue Wahoos join the Pensacola community Thursday in remembering the life of Lewis Bear Jr.

A military veteran, Mr. Bear was deeply committed to our community, giving generously throughout his life to local non-profits, charities, and educational initiatives. Alongside his wife Belle and their children, the Bear family and The Lewis Bear Company have long been strong partners and supporters of professional baseball in Pensacola and Mr. Bear will be missed at the ballpark.

A visitation service was set for Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Temple Beth El on Palafox Street. The synagogue was founded in 1876 and has distinction of being the first Jewish congregation in Florida. That was the same year Mr. Bear’s great grandfather founded the Lewis Bear Company as a family-owned, wholesale grocery and beverage distribution company.

Funeral services begin at 10 a.m. Friday at Temple Beth El.

Mr. Bear, who grew up in Pensacola and graduated from Vanderbilt University, took over the company and 1990 and extended its reach in a variety of ways. He and his family have maintained a steadfast commitment to supporting a variety of charitable causes in Pensacola.

They have been loyal supporters of the Blue Wahoos. His wife, Belle Bear, was honored in 2019 with a Bobblehead for her

"Lewis Bear took a small company and built it into a large locally owned company employing hundreds," said Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer. "His goal was always to build an inclusive community. He and (his wife) Belle woke up every day thinking of ways to help others. There are very few good things in this area that do not have Lewis' fingerprints on them."