Richard A. Lewis

Dr. Richard A. Lewis, 73, of Valdosta, died on Thursday, April 30, 2015 following a brief illness. Born in Ellwood City, PA to the late Park & Esther Lewis, he has lived in Valdosta for the past 24 years. Growing up in Ellwood City, Dr. Lewis graduated from Lincoln High School there in 1960. Soon after he joined the U.S. Air force and was a crew member on an EC 121 early warning and control airplane. He flew on many missions during the Vietnam conflict and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Following his stint in the Air Force, Dr. Lewis attended and then graduated from Eastern Connecticut University, went on to the University of Connecticut for his master's degree in Clinical Psychology and then in the early 1970's received his Doctoral degree from the University of Pittsburgh. During his career in Clinical Psychology, he worked in the prison system in Pennsylvania and here at Valdosta State Prison. Dr. Lewis also taught as college professor at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA and in Valdosta at Georgia Military College. Most recently, he worked as office manager for Dr. Brian Griner's office, which brought him much joy. Throughout his life Richard enjoyed woodworking and baking, and he was known by family and friends alike for his bread and his wonderful apple pies. He was a big fan of the Pittsburg Steelers and an avid motorcycle rider. In the past, he had participated in several long distance rides with family and friends and was active with the J.C. Riders. Dr. Lewis was an ordained priest in the United Anglican Church, he attended Crossroads Baptist Church and served as chaplain at South Georgia Medical Center and at Langdale Place.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Roberta (Billie) Lewis of Valdosta; two daughters and sons in law, Paige & Jon Krispin, and Kristin & Britt McLane, all of Valdosta; seven grandchildren, Andie Krispin, Will Krispin, Josh Krispin, Katie Krispin, Mary Clayton McLane, Claire McLane, and Ty McLane, all of Valdosta. He is also survived by a sister, Diana (and husband Nick) DeJohn, a sister, Gloria (and husband Scott) Glancey, and he enjoyed his relationships with a large extended family.
The funeral for Dr. Lewis will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2015 in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home. Pastor Ken Webb and Dr. Ken Alford will officiate. Entombment will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon, May 3, 2015 from 4 until 6 p.m. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com Carson McLane Funeral Home


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602