Mr. Richard Ewell Lewis, 71, of Parksley, husband of Jennifer Nyree Gobel-Lewis, passed away on Sept. 15, 2025, at his home in Parksley.
Born Dec. 22, 1953, in Nassawadox, he was the son of the late William Revell Lewis Jr. and Bettie Rew Ewell Lewis.
Richard graduated from Parksley High School, attended Ferrum College, and continued his education with various business courses at Eastern Shore Community College. He was a lifelong learner and was filled with curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.
He co-owned a home improvement company in the 1970s before joining his family’s business, Associated Farms, in June of 1980. Richard’s skill at grain trading and management of the business while working alongside his father for over two decades blossomed into a new and innovative management style following his father’s death in 2011, as Associated Grain became one of the last independent grain dealers in Virginia.
Richard was a lifelong musician and played drums in many popular local bands from the time he was a pre-teen until his health prevented him from playing during the past few years. For many years, he owned an airplane and enjoyed flying whenever time permitted. He was also an avid boatman and over the years owned several boats on which he traveled up and down the eastern seaboard. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church.
Richard was actively involved in the restoration and organization of the Eastern Shore Railway Museum in Parksley. He was also actively involved in the relocation and construction of the Eastern Shore Public Library, also located in Parksley.
Other than his wife, Richard is survived by a daughter, Lauren Alexandra Lewis; a son, Richard Alexander Lewis; a stepdaughter, Cheyenne Gobel; a stepson, David Baron; and three granddaughters who were adored by their “Poppi,” Lynnlee Lewis, Amina Gobel, and Yemaya Gobel. He is also survived by a brother, the Honorable William Revell Lewis III and wife, Lisa; a niece, Mary Lewis Gordon; a nephew, William Revell Lewis IV and his wife, Jesse; and six great-nieces and great-nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. from Grace United Methodist Church in Parksley with the Rev. Bill McClung officiating. Interment will be private.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements are by the Thornton Funeral Home in Parksley.
