Friends, family and members of the public said their last goodbyes Thursday to City Councilmember Charles Lewis III, 10News reported.

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CHARLES LEWIS Images: Charles Lewis 1966-2004 Video: Councilman Lewis Autopsy Results

City Councilmember Jim Madaffer said, "I think he would say, 'Thank you, but there's work to be done.' This is a great chance for us to pay respect to him and to let him know how much we truly loved him and how special he was for all of us."

The 37-year-old 4th District city councilman died Sunday after being rushed to a hospital.

An autopsy showed that Lewis died from bleeding veins in his esophagus, brought on by chronic hepatic cirrhosis of the liver and other problems, according to the San Diego County medical examiner. He also suffered from hypertension, pancreatitis and gastritis.

Lewis, a San Diego native, was chief of staff to former Councilman George Stevens before being elected to the City Council in 2002.

His council tenure was marred in May 2003, when a federal bribery investigation targeting him and fellow Councilmen Michael Zucchet and Inzunza became public after FBI agents searched City Hall and strip clubs in San Diego and Las Vegas.

The three were subsequently indicted last Aug. 28 on charges that they schemed to repeal an ordinance prohibiting touching in strip clubs in exchange for money and favors. A trial date has not been set.

Lewis is survived by his wife, Carletta; his mother, Rosemary White-Pope; his father, Charles Lewis II; and sister Charis Lewis.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Bayview Baptist Church, 6126 Benson Ave.