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Lewis Joseph Starks Jr ., 83, of Esmont, VA transitioned to his heavenly home on September 19, 2021 at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, VA.  He was born August 30, 1938 in Esmont, VA, the first child of the late Lewis Joseph Sr. and Mary Virginia Gray Starks.

In addition to his parents, Lewis was preceded in death by his son, Lewis (Junnie) J.  Starks III and youngest sister, Brenda M. Woody. He leaves to cherish memories his wife of thirty-four years, Shirlie A. Cofield-Starks, whom he married in 1987; his blended family of twelve children, Elton O. (Rose) Starks of Bowie, MD,  Gwendolyn D. (James) Franklin of Roseland, VA,  Denise H. (John) Starks-Bell of Schuyler, VA,  Venise J. (Greg) Starks Rush Brown, Dawn Roxie (Alonzo) Starks Johnson, Sharon DeShanta (Greg)  Starks Turner of Esmont, VA;  Kimberley R. (Garry) Barker of Racine, WI, Staci J. Jarmon of Charlottesville, VA, Kena M. (Daniel) Jones of Rocky Mount, NC, Clay S. (Vanessa) Cofield of Richmond, VA, Colin Brewer of Henderson, KY, and Bobbie (Kimberly) Cofield of Goochland, VA; two brothers, Eric L. Starks of Esmont and Oliver A. (Janie) Starks of Charlottesville, VA; one sister, Barbara Jean Jackson of Esmont; four aunts, Marva G. Simpson, Clasteen Gray, Elizabeth Gray, and Louise Gray all of Esmont; one sister-in-law, Linda (Harry) Staton of Amherst, VA; thirty-two grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews,  other relatives and friends.

Lewis graduated from Burley High School in June of 1957. Over the years he held four jobs:  Advanced Auto, VDOT, McCann Delivery Service and Swisher Delivery Service. He retired with 47 years of service as a truck driver responsible for delivering U.S. mail.

Poobie, as he was affectionately called, also had the nicknames of Doc and Casanova.  He was a lifelong member of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in Esmont, where he served faithfully as a Deacon and member of the See More Men's Club and the Hospitality Committee.

He was an authentic cook and wine maker. He was well-known for his Sweet Potato Pineapple Pie which he sold during the holidays. His church family will never forget the ribs and baked tomatoes that he loved to prepare for special occasions.  Poobie was meticulous in the care of his lawn. He enjoyed playing cards, puzzle books, watching westerns on TV, and spending time with his family. He loved reading the bible, especially the book of Proverbs, and listening to the Mighty Clouds of Joy gospel music. Poobie was an avid Dallas Cowboy and NASCAR fan. He had a mini orchard of apples, peaches, plums and figs in which he took great pride. He possessed a humble spirit and always had a story to tell.

" When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee." Proverbs 2:10-11