Chris Lewis of McDonough loves the Georgia Bulldogs.

During football season, he can be seen on his front porch, wearing shirts and other clothing supporting the team.

That dedication, and an act of generosity, recently afforded him an opportunity to see them play in person. He was given four tickets to see them play against the Missouri Tigers.

His mother, Babbie Spain, describes Lewis as a diehard Bulldogs fan.

“Chris is a lifelong Georgia fan but has only been to a couple of games over the years, because he was afraid of crowds,” said Spain, 65.

Lewis, 42, has Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic condition under the autism spectrum. Spain said Fragile X often results in sensory issues, including a fear of crowds and loud noises.

“Chris doesn’t handle heights too well,” said Spain. “Chris has really overcome a lot of things from when he was a little boy.”

The November 6 game, at Sanford Stadium in Athens, marked the fourth time since 2011 that Lewis has seen the Bulldogs play in person.

Spain said she was thrilled her son would get to see the game.

“I know how excited he gets,” she said. “I just love his enthusiasm. He’s always very positive about things.”

Lewis was at Retro Church in McDonough when he learned he would get to see the Bulldogs in action. Spain said when she gave him the news, his excitement was undeniable.

“He was jumping up and down,” said Spain. “He couldn’t help it.”

Tyrone Spaulding, executive director of Golfing For Success, gave Lewis the tickets. Spaulding said he did so after seeing Lewis on his porch supporting UGA football.

“Being a member of Shiloh Baptist Church, I would always see Chris on Georgia Bulldog game day outside getting ready for the game when I would pass by his house,” said Spaulding. “[Shiloh Pastor] Reverend E.W. Lee would always tell me to reach out to others in the community not related to golf, in my building the Golfing for Success program. So I reached out to a resource I had, to get tickets for one of Georgia’s best Bulldog Fans, Chris. I just felt he and his mom would enjoy going to a game and having a great life experience.”

Spain said her son’s sensory issues didn’t stop him from loudly supporting his team during the game.

“He was the one making all the noise, cheering and barking,” said Spain.

She said Spaulding’s gesture serves as an example of “community.”

“We did not know him, so we thought, ‘what a nice man to notice Chris and to do that,’” said Spain. “In this day and time when people don’t always do things for other people, it’s a God thing.”

Spain said Lewis has overcome numerous obstacles in his battle against Fragile X. He now assists with local high-school football games, and serves as a greeter for services at Retro Church.

“It’s been a long road, but it’s a good road,” said Spain. “We’ve just been blessed in our lives to have so many people who have helped Chris.”

Kristy Dobbs, a director for People First of Henry County, and her husband Joey attended the game with Lewis. People First hosts social events for individuals with special needs and their families.

Kristy Dobbs said her husband was “super excited” to see the game with Lewis.

“He and Chris share that love for the Georgia Bulldogs,” said Kristy Dobbs. “Joey was over the moon, he was so excited.”
Their elation continued when the Bulldogs defeated Missouri 43-6.

Dobbs said she is grateful for Spaulding’s generosity toward Lewis.

“He doesn’t realize it, but he gave Chris an experience he’ll never forget,” said Dobbs.

Lewis said he is proud of how the Bulldogs are playing this season.

“They’re a good team — No. 1 team in the nation,” he said. “It’s better watching them in person than on TV because of the Redcoat Band, UGA, the cheerleaders and Kirby Smart,” said Lewis.

When asked about the Bulldogs’ chances at success, Lewis responded with absolute certainty.

“They’re going to win the national championship,” he said.