Ronnie Gene Lewis, Sr.

Ronnie Gene Lewis, Sr. of Eden, went home to be with Jesus on January 15th, 2024. He died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at home after fighting a long battle with Parkinsonism.

A memorial service will be held 3 pm Sunday January 21st 2024 at Fair Funeral Home Chapel with Military Honors following the service on the front lawn of Fair Funeral Home with the Rockingham County Veterans Honor doing the honors.  A visitation will be held from 2-3 pm prior to the service.

Ronnie was born in Reidsville, NC , the son of Nettie Wilson Lewis and William Lewis of Pelham, NC. All who knew Ronnie were well aware of his love for the Lord. This foundation was built through the many years of his childhood that he lived with his maternal grandmother, Lala P. Wilson. This godly woman’s life example stayed with him throughout his entire life, like a beacon of light guiding him through his darkest days.

Ronnie joined and was honorably discharged from the Army National Guard in April of 1955. He soon enlisted in the US Navy where he served aboard the USS Roosevelt Aircraft Carrier before sustaining an injury in 1957. In his twenties, he traveled doing iron and steel work, including work on the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After studying HVAC at Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he owned and operated Lewis HVAC, Plumbing & Refrigeration, and later specializing in commercial and industrial refrigeration.  He retired from UNCG as Physical Plant Supervisor.

Ronnie’s witness for Christ was clear to all who met him through both is words and his actions. He always had a helping hand to lead to those in need and words of encouragement to those suffering.

Ronnie was one of the first in Eden to head up a toys for tots drive for Grundy Mountain Mission School. He was a member of Eden Evening Lions Club, was Chaplain and a volunteer driver for Disabled American Veterans, and was Home Visitor and Sunday School teacher of Kings Highway Christian Church.

He is survived by his wife Louise (Lou) Thomas Lewis ; his daughter, Amy Lewis of Eden, his daughter, Jamie Holliman and husband Andrew Holliman of San Diego, CA; and his daughter Jennifer Welch and husband Anthony Welch of Eden. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Ronnie was predeceased in death by his parents, William and Nettie Lewis as well as his daughters, Karen Snody, Pamela Jones and Rhonda Lewis and his son Ronnie Gene Lewis, Jr.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com