AREA OBITUARIES -- RICHARD THOMAS LEWIS

Richard Thomas Lewis, 87 of South Fulton, Tenn. passed away Thursday September 22, 2022, in his home surrounded by his wife and two daughters.

Richard was born in Weakley County, Tennessee and attended school at South Fulton.

Richard served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict.

Richard met his wife of 65 years, Frances Bailey Lewis just before leaving for Japan. Upon his return, they were married on January 5, 1957.

Following his military service, he and Frances moved to Memphis, and he went to technical school to study electronics/TV repair and later opened his own business called R&D Electronics. He later went to work for Goodyear Tire and Rubber 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 #172 in Fulton, Ky. He served in many leadership capacities at the local lodge as well as serving as District Deputy Grand Master. Richard was also a member of the Water Valley Masonic Lodge #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, Ky. Order of the Eastern Star #41 and Mayfield #443.
Richard always stood ready to volunteer no matter the task. In fact, with his large batch recipe and drill for mixing, he assisted 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, Ky. Richard along with his long-time best friend, Rubert Ainley designed and built a “Thomas the Tank Engine” so he could 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 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.

Richard 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.

Services will be Tuesday, September 27 at 1 p.m. at Hornbeak Funeral Chapel of Fulton, with burial to follow in the Obion County Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday, Sept. 26 from 5-8 p.m. Masonic Rites are to begin at 7 p.m. for anyone wanting to attend.

Memorials for Mr. Richard T Lewis may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital by mail at 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 (www.donate.lovetotherescue.org ) or to South Fulton United Methodist Church, PO Box 5331, South Fulton, TN 38257.