Richard Milton Lewis of Ponte Vedra died peacefully at home on June 13, 2016. He will be reunited with his wife of 49 years, Claudia Stoney Lewis. He is survived by his four children, 12 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Richard was born in Topeka, Kansas and was a child of the Depression in Missouri. He moved with his family to Atlanta in 1940, when his father was recalled to active duty in the Army during the run-up to World War II. Richard came of age during the war and always considered himself to be a military man.
He graduated from the Georgia Military Academy and was later commissioned in the U.S. Army in the Field Artillery. He spent seven years on active duty and another 30-plus years in the reserves, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He was a patriot and believed very much in the principles that our nation was founded upon. He had an unwavering respect for those that wear the “cloth of our nation” and instilled that same respect in his children and grandchildren.
Richard worked in pharmaceutical sales after his active duty service and that brought the family from Atlanta to Virginia, then to California, where he and Claudia lived for 28 years, finally retiring to Ponte Vedra Beach. Richard and Claudia loved to travel and were fortunate enough to be able to retire and travel full time for a number of years. They visited family all over the world and particularly enjoyed ocean cruises that emphasized history. Their hobbies were family and friends, telling stories and watching the world go by.
After Claudia’s passing, Richard continued to travel and was a regular at the Ponte Vedra Club. He liked to work out, but what he really enjoyed was time spent with the “board” solving the world’s problems over a cup of coffee. Richard always appeared stern and tough, but in reality, he was a softee who thoroughly enjoyed a good conversation about investments, watching his kids and their friends compete, or a game of Chinese checkers with a grandson or granddaughter. His love and support could always be felt in the simplicity of his presence; and his impact on family, friends and strangers who crossed his path will be not be forgotten.
A Celebration of Life reception will be held at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club Terrace Room, July 7 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. He will be buried together with Claudia, another American patriot, in Beaufort National Cemetery, South Carolina. Services are under the direction and care of Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home Please visit the online tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com.
