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TCMA Industry News |
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Ralph Edward Lewis Passes Away |
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Clifford Smith |
September 8, 2021 |
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On a warm Sunday
morning, September 5, 2021, Ralph Edward Lewis passed peacefully
into his Father’s arms. Leaving this earth to walk through the
Heavenly gates, Ralph knew his Savior from a young age and
exuded the heart of a Christian to friends and strangers alike.
Ralph was born September 30, 1946, to Garreth and Geraldine
Lewis in Coffeyville, Kansas. In his elementary years, the Lewis
family of six moved to Gainesville. Ralph attended Gainesville
schools, graduating GHS in 1964, later studying at UTA. His
passion for drag racing and love of birds and flying were the
essence of his hobbies. |
Living into the work ethic set forth by his dad, Ralph went to work at
the Gainesville Foundry in 1969. He worked his way up to president and
general manager, serving in those positions until the last casting was
poured June 30, 2016.
The foundry produced durable products, but none were as strong as the
love and ultimate marriage of Ralph and Dorthy. Married on May 3, 1975,
Ralph and Dorthy made each other the impenetrable center of their
individual lives. Dorthy’s happiness was essential to his own, and vice
versa. Their union made possible a beautiful, young family of five, on
their way to a joyful, loving family of 40 today. Ralph loved his family
like no other; he led by example, instilled honor and strong character,
and taught his children the value of a hard day’s work.
Ralph was an inspiration to everyone he knew. From the house he and his
father, Garreth, built, to the Gainesville Foundry of which he owned and
operated for decades, to his wife whose devotion was earned and
unwavering, to his large and loving family who absolutely adored him,
Ralph embraced the physical challenge dealt him at a young age, proving
nothing was impossible. Spirit, innovation, ingenuity, and a can-do will
were at his core.
Always jovial, Ralph pulled the fun spirit out of everyone. He had a
unique and clever way of delivering a point to an opposing view,
regardless of the subject. His smile made it palatable, inoffensive, and
usually funny. If he realized his point didn’t prove quite so humorous,
he never hesitated to apologize. Ralph was a gentleman.
Firm in faith and staunch in values, Ralph was the epitome of ethics,
understanding, and empathy. He served with gusto and without hesitation,
his views and decisions were almost always spot on as he considered all
sides thoughtfully and carefully. To serve with him on a committee was a
sound, safe bet.
Respected as a leader and member of First Christian Church, Ralph was a
voice of reason and experience in every capacity served. Elder, Chairman
of the Board, Chairman of several church committees, proud handbell
ringer, and most recently, a most enthusiastic VBS volunteer, Ralph
seldom declined a request to serve. Along with Dorthy, and sister,
Shirley, the Lewis force was always with us.
The Lewis legacy continues with Ralph’s wife, Dorthy; children, Keith
Fisher, Monty Fisher (Victoria), Kristi Riddle (Brian) and Billie Kay
Greene; grandchildren, Lauren Bauer, Kendra Cheek, Patrick Fisher, Ethan
Fisher, Aiden Fisher, Ariana Fisher, Emily Pope, Neilson Jones, Madeline
Webb, Preston Jones, Brayzon Riddle, and Joey Greene; 11 great
grandchildren; sisters Shirley Weems, Phyllis Estes (Jerry);
sister-in-law LaVena Moss, brother-in-law, Butch Riddle, and several
nieces and nephews.
Ralph has been reunited with his parents, Garreth and Geraldine Lewis;
sister, Connie Emberton, and infant brother, Gary Wayne Lewis.
Pallbearers are grandsons Patrick Fisher, Ethan Fisher, Aiden Fisher,
Neilson Jones, Preston Jones, Brayzon Riddle, and Joey Greene.
Funeral services are Friday, September 10, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at First
Christian Church, 401 N. Dixon St., with visitation being Thursday,
6:00-8:00 p.m. at Carroll Funeral Home. Interment immediately follows at
Fairview Cemetery.
SERVICES
Visitation
Thursday, September 09, 2021
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home
602 Lindsay St.
Gainesville, Texas 76240
Funeral Service
Friday, September 10, 2021
1:00 PM
First Christian Church
401 N Dixon St
Gainesville, TX 76240
Published by the
Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home |
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