Col. Richard Wight Lewis (Retired)

On January 7, 2012, Army Aviation lost one of its pioneers. Col. Richard Lewis, Retired, 83, of Ozark, ascended to his maker after a brief illness. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at 10 a.m. from the Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home Chapel in Ozark with Reverend Rusty Burleson officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens under the direction of Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Col. Richard W. Lewis, Retired, son of the late Claire and Hildred Wight Lewis, was born March 9, 1928 in Norwood, Massachusetts. Col. Lewis joined the U.S. Army in 1948, and went through the enlisted ranks to E7 before going to OCS in 1954. He became an Aviator in 1955 as a member of the Aviation Battalion of the 26th Division of the Massachusetts National Guard, and moved to Ozark in 1976. Col. Lewis spent 48 years in service to his country, and was a member of the Westview Heights United Methodist Church of Ozark. An American patriot, loving husband, father, and grandfather, he led a good life, and had an exemplary career. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Col. Lewis, Retired, is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara Brothers Lewis, of Ozark; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Arthur (Nancy) Lewis, and Larry Lewis, all of Ozark; three grandchildren: David, Chris and Cori; eight great-grandchildren. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Westview Heights United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1045, Ozark, AL 36361.

Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark (334) 774-4551 is in charge of the arrangements. Members of the Dignity Memorial Network. Condolences may be offered at www.fuquabankston.com.