Richard Lewis

Richard Thomas Lewis, 87, of South Fulton passed away Thursday Sept. 22, 2022, in his home, surrounded by his wife and two daughters.
Richard was born in Weakley County and attended school at South Fulton. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict.
He met his wife of 65 years, Frances Bailey Lewis just before leaving for Japan. Upon his return, they were married on Jan. 5, 1957.
Following his military service, he and Frances moved to Memphis, and he went to technical school to study electronics and TV repair. He later opened his own business called R & D Electronics. He also worked for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, where he retired after 27 years as a supervisor.
Retirement for Richard didn’t mean relaxing. He was a social person and retirement gave him the opportunity to do what he loved which was volunteer, spend time with his wife, fish and make new friends.
Richard was a dedicated Mason, recently receiving his 25-year pin as a Mason at Roberts Lodge No. 172 in Fulton. He served in many leadership capacities at the local lodge and served as District Deputy Grand Master. Richard was also a member of the Water Valley Masonic Lodge No. 756, where he served in several leadership capacities as well. Additionally, he was a Rizpah Shriner and was always ready to drive or assist with a visit to any of the Shriner Children’s hospitals.
He and Frances were dedicated members of the Fulton Order of the Eastern Star No. 41 and Mayfield No. 443. Richard always stood ready to volunteer no matter the task.
In fact, with his large batch recipe and drill for mixing, he assisted with many successful pancake breakfasts, which raised funds for numerous charitable causes. Richard was also a member of the American Legion and the ROMEO club.
Trains are a large part of the twin cities as well as the Shriners in Fulton. Richard, along with his long-time best friend, Rupert Ainley, designed and built a “Thomas the Tank Engine” to ride in local and regional parades. This Thomas the Tank engine is currently displayed in the train museum in South Fulton and has been used for various events in the area.
Richard was a faithful member of the South Fulton United Methodist Church. For many years he helped run the music board and assisted the choir on Sundays and entertained the preacher from time-to-time with a fishing trip.
Richard Lewis, affectionately known to his family as “Catdaddy,” was a strong man who showed his family that no matter the odds that you should never give up. He lived by the motto of “Be kind, be loyal and keep fighting,” which is just what he did.
He is survived by his wife, Frances Bailey Lewis; his children, Donny Lynn Lewis (Brenda), Deborah L Culver, Patricia Lewis Hamby (Jaye); three grandchildren, Daniel R. Lewis (Cheryl), Brandon M. Culver (Ashley) and Garren Thomas Hamby. He has three great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents, one brother, one half-brother and three half-sisters.
Funeral services were to be held at 1 p.m. today at Hornbeak Funeral Chapel with burial to follow in Obion County Memorial Gardens. Visitation was held at the funeral home from 5-8 p.m. Monday. Masonic Rites began at 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
The family requests memorials for Mr. Richard T. Lewis may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 (www.donate.lovetotherescue.org or to South Fulton United Methodist Church, P.O. Box No. 5331, South Fulton, TN 38257.
Online tributes may be left at www.hornbeakfuneralchapel.com.

Published in The Messenger 9.27.22