Cecil Ray Lewis

Cecil Ray Lewis passed away on August 31, 2010, at home with his loving family by his side. Ray was born on March 22, 1943, in Woodlake, CA, to Cecil and Delveno Lewis. He moved to Humboldt County in 1953 at the age of 10. Ray graduated from Arcata High School in 1962, where he met the love of his life, his wife of 47 years, C. Elaine (Norris) Lewis.

Cecil worked for Simpson Timber Co. of Korbel for 40 years before retiring. He was a carrier driver, green chain puller, tallyman, and millwright. He loved to fish, camp, hunt, and attend car shows. He was known to run chains at McKinleyville High football games. He was most recently known as “Scoreboard Grandpa” at the M.L.L. softball games, until his cancer kept him from being there, he still rooted on the teams from home. He enjoyed watching his granddaughter’s basketball and softball games and his grandsons’ football games. He was known for his aggressive cheering at sporting events.

He leaves behind 3 children, Sherry (David) Hill, Keven (Tammy) Lewis, and Michelle (Jonathan) Shaddix, 5 grandchildren, Dale, Max, and Fred Elliott, Alexandria (Elliott) Stauffer, and Michaela Hill, and soon to be great-granddaughter Kendra Rae Stauffer, all of McKinleyville. His brother Lennox (Carol) Lewis of Idaho, sister Verla (John) Ross of Ok., his mother-in-law Florence Norris, and brother and sister-in-laws Betty Lopez, Richard Norris, Albert (Ethel) Norris, Gordon (April) Norris, Donald (Maryann) Norris, and Earl (Marlene) Norris and numerous nephews and nieces. He was dad and grandpa to many and a great inspiration to all.

He is preceded in death by his parents Cecil Roy and Delveno Lewis, and sister-in-laws Irene McCullough, Marilyn Norris, and Sharon Norris.

Thank you to Dr. Marcelle Mahan and Staff, Hospice, and a very special thanks to Lynn Wilson.

Cecil’s family would like to express their gratitude for all the love and support all of our friends have given to us throughout this hard time in our lives. There will be a memorial service, that includes a potluck, to celebrate his life on Sunday, Sept. 12th at 2 pm at Azalea Hall, 1625 Pickett Road, McKinleyville, CA 95519.

Arrangements are under the direction of Pierce Mortuary, Eureka, CA 707-442-3751, www.piercemortuarychapels.com.