Ronald Max Lewis (Ronnie) of Pottsboro, Texas, passed away suddenly on July 5, 2023, at the age of 78 after an extended stay at Texoma Medical Center. He was born on December 16, 1944, in Sherman, Texas, eldest son of Jackie and Jewell Chloe (Wilson) Lewis.
He graduated Denison High School in 1963, where he played multiple sports and developed lifelong friendships. He was honored to be selected by classmates as Mr. DHS in 1962. He was especially proud to have held the record for the mile at DHS of 4 minutes and 31 seconds (as a sophomore) for over 30 years, which was tracked annually in the Herald Democrat.
After college Ronnie joined the Army Reserves while working for several different companies including Haliburton and Texas Power and Light. In 1972 he was hired by MKT Railroad (KATY) as a Fireman and soon after became a locomotive engineer. He continued on with the Union Pacific Railroad after they purchased the KATY in 1989 until retiring in 2005 after 33 years of dedicated service to take care of his mother full time until her death in 2007. He and good friend Michael Gibson created the G&L Fence Company during their Katy years and on the side built fences for the community to help pay for another passion, beer drinking and country western dancing.
Ronnie married his best friend and the love of his life, Pat Chambers, on September 4, 1976, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was the best of husbands, a proud caring father to son Todd, and a friend to all he met. He was famous for his big (loud) laugh and twinkling smile, always able to make everyone he met feel like a lifelong friend.
In retirement, he developed a passion – crappie fishing which each Spring shut down all other duties and responsibilities. He was also a self-proclaimed handyman, building chicken/duck/pigeon coops and other outdoor structures, including a massive fenced Pet Cemetery for their many beloved dogs. They entertained frequently in the early years and loved to throw big Christmas parties for all their friends and relatives. His passing will leave a void in the many lives he touched, but an especially deep one for his wife, son and Emma Lee, his cherished chocolate dachshund of 18 faithful years who was his best girl and recliner buddy. Also, his life long cousin-brother born just two weeks apart, Paul Brown and wife Karen.
He is survived by his beloved wife Pat of 47 years who was by his side every day until the end; son, Todd; Brother, John Mark Lewis of Prosper, Texas; Niece, Shellye Speakman and husband Tim of Prosper, Texas; nephew, Dr. Ryan Lewis and wife, their children, Ryan, Olivia, Jack and Maddie all of Prosper Texas; Mother-in-law Betty; brothers-in-law, Rick, Jim and Steve; and sisters-in-law Mary Ann (his favorite fishing buddy) and Kathy; in addition to many beloved relatives and friends and railroad family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jackie and Jewell Chloe (Wilson) Lewis; grandparents, Daisy Jane (Pearce) and William ”Lanie” Wilson, and B.C. and Myrtle (Jones) Lewis, his sister-in-law, Cheryl (Chambers) Lewis and father-in-law Jr. Chambers.
Special thanks and gratitude to the doctors, nurses, ER, CCU and ICU staff and many other medical staff who cared for Ronnie during his extended stay. A big thank you to Preston Volunteer Emergency Services for their quick response and caring attention as well.
Family will receive friends during a visitation on Sunday, July 9, 2023, from 6 to 8 PM at Johnson- Moore Funeral Home, 511 FM 120, Pottsboro, Texas 75076. A graveside service will be held at 10 A.M., Monday, July 10, 2023, at the Georgetown Cemetery, 540 Cemetery Road, Pottsboro, Texas.
