Ronny E. Lewis, 81, a beloved husband, daddy and papaw, departed this life on Sunday, August 7, 2022, with those he loved most at his side.
He was born on Dec. 30, 1940, in Benton to the late Reverend V.H. “Jack” and Reba Nell Lewis. Ronny grew to become a friend to those who were privileged to have known him, faithfully served our country with the United States Army and was a man of God, while always striving to care and provide for his family. After being honorably discharged, he returned home and worked construction, later developing Ronny E. Lewis Construction from 1979 until retirement in 2020. His service to his country and community was unmatched and will truly be missed. While owning and operating his construction business, he saw the need to continue providing the best service to his community and served as superintendent with the Polk County Road Department for two terms (1996-2004). To know him was to love him, and the void that his left shall forever be present, but his love will eternally be remembered. One of his fondest memories in his later years was to spend Saturdays with the sawmill gang at the sawmill.
In addition to his parents, Rev. V.H. “Jack” and Nell Lewis, he was preceded by one brother, Vernon “Corky” Lewis; one sister, Helen Ramsey; brothers-in-law, Ogle Ingram, Harold “Whitey” Ramsey and John Stillwell; two nieces, Peggy Lewis and Patricia Walsh; and three nephews, Adam Stillwell, Rusty Swafford and Bob Ramsey.
Left to cherish the many memories include his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Charlene Swafford Lewis; beloved children, Tammy (Gary) Lowe, Debbie (Gary) Silvers and Timothy “Slim” Lewis; cherished grandchildren, Amber Silvers Price, Lauren Silvers and Katie Lowe; great-grandson, Case Edward Price; siblings, Jackie Ingram, Jimmy (JoAnn) Lewis, Larry (Lena) Lewis and H.R. Lewis; sisters-in-law, Anne Marie Lewis, Sharion Stillwell and Frances (Mark) Williams; and brothers-in-law, Scott (Cynthia) Swafford, Haskell (Cindy) Swafford, Ted (Sarah) Swafford, Nathan (Natalie) Swafford, Morris (Deborah) Swafford and Jeff (Annette) Swafford. Numerous extended family members and a countless number of friends also survive.
A Celebration of Life graveside service with military honors will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13 at Mountain View Cemetery, with his son-in-law, Gary Silvers presiding. Mike Ingram, Jamie Ingram, Tracy Ingram, Bryan Ramsey, Brad Ramsey, Pac Lewis, Mark Evans and Charlie Bradford will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the sawmill gang, which includes Junior Clayton, Bruce Rymer, John Bramlett and Mutt Evans.
Family and friends will gather from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, prior to the service at Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CHA Foundation, c/o Hearth Hospice, 513 Georgia Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37403 and/or at www.chafoundation.net/contribute-online.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude of love and appreciation to Dr. Sylvia L. Krueger, M.D. and hospice nurse, Amanda Pope, for the genuine care they provided.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.