LEWIS, Thomas Ellis "Tom," 86, of Richmond, Va., passed away February 1, 2012. He was retired from Reynolds Metals and is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marjorie Sampson Lewis; three children, Bonnie L. Stokes and her husband, Terry, Lindsay L. Thomas and her husband, Steve, and Thomas F. Lewis and his wife, Beth; six grandchildren, Laura S. Harris, Travis L. Thomas, W. Brandon Stokes, Ross S. Thomas, Grayson T. Lewis and Garrett H. Lewis; one great-grandchild, Sampson B. Thomas. He was preceded in death by his son, John G. Lewis. Tom was born and raised in Webb, Miss. He attended Mississippi State College and graduated from the University of Louisville with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII and traveled around the world on the USS General Morton. After his tour of duty with the Navy, Tom worked as an electrical engineer for Reynolds Metals for over 40 years as a Project Director in Research and Development. During that time he earned a Master's of Commerce degree from the University of Richmond. The family will receive friends Monday, February 6, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Huguenot Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Rd., where funeral services will be held at 12 noon. Interment Westhampton Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Condolences may be made at
woodyfuneralhomehuguenot.com
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February 8, 2012
Tom and Margie have always been the standard for hospitality and kindness in our family. When I was in the Army in Virginia, they willingly put me up for weeks at a time. My children remember fondly visiting the house in Richmond, and are particularly glad to have gotten to meet Tom. From my own childhood on, a visit to the Lewises was always something to be anticipated with delight.
I guess the word "thoughtful" is the first one that comes to my mind in connection with Tom - maybe neck and neck with "kind." It was such a pleasure to talk with someone who considered the issues and talked in a balanced way about them. And he was willing to talk about anything - he was so patient.
We love Tom and all the family, and our prayers and best thoughts are with them all.
Love always,
Kirk and Pat Woodward
February 7, 2012
Bonnie and Laura we all were sorry to hear of your loss. I no you will miss him.
Our prays with all of you.
Love Patty, Roland and Sheila Loving
February 7, 2012
Duke Singleton
Condolences to all of the family for your loss of Tom. He was a delightful and fun person. He and I worked together on a project in the late 60's and 70's and it was a joy to work with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. O.R. "Duke" Singleton (MRD).
February 6, 2012
Celes Blankenship
So Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. May all the wonderful memories ease your pain.
February 5, 2012
Dennis and Alison Douglas
Tom was our dear Uncle. He was a kind, gentle, and patient man, the kind of man you would find in great works of fiction. He treated every everyone and every living thing with respect and thoughtfulness – from his wife Marjorie and their children and extended family, to his azaleas, rhododendrons, the birds and the trees.
He loved science and engineering, automotives, and photography, yet also had the patience to sit and play with small children or throw a ball to a dog and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Tom had a very keen and insightful intelligence, but never talked down to anyone. He could find a way to explain something in words you could understand, and seemed to enjoy doing so.
He gave a lot of himself to his children – being a friend and counselor, leading by example, and directly assisting them in finding their way in the world. And he always took pride in his lovely and loving wife Marjorie, who was always by his side, his chief supporter and admirer.
I'll always remember sitting by the fireplace with Uncle Tom, discussing how to make the world a better place – as he did.
February 5, 2012
Jennifer Blandford
Bonnie: so sorry to read of your father's death. May your memories of good times shared outweigh the pain. Thinking of you and your family.
February 5, 2012
Denny and Wanda Arner
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
February 5, 2012
Bill Holliday
Tom and I worked at Reynolds Metals Research and Development Department at 5th and Cary in the 60s and 70s. I can't think of a friendlier or nicer guy.
I've seen and talked to him and Marjorie several times at Ukrop's, now Martin's grocery in the past year.
So sorry he's passed. My condolences go to his family.
February 5, 2012
Dear Tom, Beth and family: We are so sorry to hear of your father's passing. We send our love and sympathy to you, your mother and all the family. May God bless you all at this time of loss.
Pete, Millie and Bonnie Watson
February 4, 2012
Clay, Carol and Jacob Butler
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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