Raymond Dalton Lewis Sr.

February 13, 1927 - June 3, 2026

After 99 years of a life marked by faith, service, professional excellence, and devotion to family, Ray Lewis entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on June 3, 2026, surrounded by his four loving children.

Born on February 13, 1927, in Smackover, Arkansas, Ray was the first son of proud parents D.D. and Leila Mae Lewis. He spent his early years in rural Arkansas, where he developed the values of hard work, faith, humility, and perseverance that would guide him throughout his life. He was a devoted big brother to his younger brother, Muriel Lewis, who survives him at the age of 92. The bond they shared spanned more than nine decades and remained a treasured part of Ray's life.

From 1944 to 1946, Ray proudly served in the United States Navy during the closing years of World War II. During his service, he was a member of the Naval Hospital baseball team. He remained proud of his military service throughout his life and carried with him the values of duty, discipline, and patriotism that defined his generation.

Following his military service, Ray embarked on a distinguished career in the pipeline industry that would span more than six decades. Through his expertise, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence, he became one of the most respected figures in the natural gas pipeline profession. His contributions helped shape the development, safety, and operation of America's pipeline infrastructure, leaving a legacy that continues to serve communities across the nation.

Ray absolutely cherished his family. He shared 66 wonderful years of marriage with wife, Nancy Lewis, who entered her heavenly home in 2021. Though he deeply missed Nancy following her passing, he found comfort in the promise of eternal life and looked forward to the day they would be reunited.

Ray is survived by his children, Tad Lewis, Mona Roberts, Lori Sheinfeld, and Lisa Lewis: his brother, Muriel Lewis. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren and his seven great-grandchildren.

Those who knew Ray will remember his gentle spirit, unwavering faith, quiet wisdom, and deep love for his family. He was a man of integrity whose life demonstrated the enduring power of faithfulness-to God, to family, to friends, and to the commitments he made throughout his nearly one hundred years. More than any professional achievement, award, or title, his greatest legacy is the example he set for those who loved him. His unwavering faith, humility, kindness, work ethic, and devotion to others established a standard that will continue to guide and inspire generations to come.

While his family mourns his passing, they rejoice in the assurance that he is now reunited with Nancy and celebrating eternal life in the presence of his Savior. They take comfort in imagining the joyful reunion awaiting him, not only with his beloved wife, but also with the many dear friends and loved ones who preceded him into Heaven. His was a life well lived, a race well run, and a faith well kept.

A Celebration of Life for Ray will be held on Thursday, July 30 at 11:00 a.m. at Houston's First Baptist Church, 7401 Katy Freeway.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2026 at Smackover Cemetery in Smackover, AR under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

2 Timothy 4:7