Ralph Samuel "Sam" Lewis

Sam Lewis left this earth on April 3, 2017. Before this day, he spent his years living a life full of learning, educating, serving, playing, and loving. Sam learned while he was a student at Bluefield High School and graduated in 1967. From there he then continued his education at Bluefield State, and completed his MBA at Regent University. A lifelong learner and avid reader, you should see the condition of his bible, you could most recently find him spouting out answers to the questions of Jeopardy on a regular basis. . Sam was not one to keep his knowledge to himself. He taught the St. Thomas Sunday School Class at the First United Methodist Church for 25+ years in such a way that made even the simplest minds understand the preaching’s of the Lord. As the TECO Coal Manager of Safety and Environmental Affairs he educated many miners on underground safety and environmental policies aiding in keeping them safe from harm. Anyone who has met Sam, can tell you that he has the heart of a servant. He served his country spending 4 years in the Air Force and fought in the Vietnam War. He and Lisa were married for 30 years and he served as her full-time caretaker before she passed away. Countless stories have been shared in the past days of just how selfless he was with his service, money, and time in acts ranging from small to extra-ordinary. Although he was in service to so many he actively served God as an integral part of the First United Methodist Church of Richlands and Trinity Assembly of God in Cedar Bluff. Sam also continued to serve others even after he passed away as an organ donor. Although Sam learned, educated, and served hard, he was known to also play REALLY hard. Sammy loved spending his free time fishing, hunting, golfing, traveling, and being outside. He played an active role as Poppy and GrandSam. So active you could find him playing hide-and-seek or even standing on his head, just to please them. LOVE is the biggest word of all when we think of Sam. He brought a light into the life of his wife Carolyn who he was married to for exactly 2 years. The same light gleamed from him when he spoke of his daughter Jillian and light as bright as the sun would radiate from him when his entire family was in one room. Although our light is significantly dimmer we will carry our memories with us as we continue on this Earth knowing our lights will shine as one when we meet again in heaven. He was born in Bluefield, West Virginia and was the son of the late William Paul and Debris Riggs Lewis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Lisa McGrady Lewis. Those who remain to carry on his shining spirit are: His wife, Carolyn Stevenson Lewis of Cedar Bluff, VA His daughter, Jillian Lewis Gravley and husband, Michael of Galax, VA His step daughters: Myra Harmon and husband, Dustin of Denver, NC Ashley Jenkins and husband, Frank of Richmond, VA Brother, Bill Lewis of Jonesborough, TN Sister-in-law, Stephanie Roach and husband, Billy and their daughter, MyKenzie of Bluefield, VA His joy for living, his grandchildren, Gaige Gravley, Grace Lyn Gravley, Tex McCoy Stinnett and Stevi Nicole Harmon. A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 11:00 am on Friday, April 7, 2017 at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, Virginia with the Rev. Betzy Elifrits Warren and Rev. Randy Fielder officiating. Inurnment will be at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, Virginia at a later date. Members of the Casey Shortt VFW Post #9640 will conduct military rites. The family will begin receiving friends at the funeral home on Thursday, evening beginning at 6:00pm. The family request that in honor of his memory and his selfless giving that donations be made to the Good Samaritan Food Pantry, 106 Veterans Drive, Richlands, VA 24641. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

Ralph Samuel "Sam" Lewis

December 24, 1949 - April 3, 2017