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Ralph Lewis was born on Dec. 28, 1949, to Robert Ennis Sr. and Janie B Miles Lewis in Greene County, Alabama.

Ralph received his education from the Greene County School District. Upon graduating, Ralph migrated from Alabama to New York City, where he later joined the United States Army, where he served four years and was discharged in 1972.

On a sunny summer’s day in July of 1972, Ralph met the love of his life, Velma Alexander. Ralph and Velma joined each other in holy matrimony on Dec. 17, 1997. The couple spent many happy years together in the Big Apple; but later decided to retire to the State for Lovers (Virginia).

Ralph worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 33 years before retiring in 2005.

Ralph joined Mt. Bethel Baptist Church in Kenbridge on Nov. 23rd, 2008, where he served as a faithful member until his health started to decline.

Ralph departed this life on Dec. 13, 2023 at MCV Hospital in Richmond with his family by his side.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Janie Lewis and two brothers, Calvin and James Lewis.

Ralph leaves to cherish: his wife, Velma Lewis; one son Ralph Lewis Jr; two daughters, Monica (Derrick) Goode and Stacia Lewis; three grandchildren; Asia Miller, Madison Goode and Christian Goode; four sisters, Bethenia Gaines, Thelma Hubbard, Rosalyn (James) Hall and Dilcy Hall; three brothers; Robert (Altonia) Lewis, John (Sharon) Lewis and William Lewis; one godchild, Jacquel Massey; sisters-in-law; Willie Hawthorne, Gertrude Hargrove (Sonny), Nannie (Woodrow) Harris, Clara (James) Walker and Joyce Hendrick; brothers-in-law; William Alexander, James (Mariah) Jones, Salis Alexander, Joseph and Calvin Hendrick; his close friends; James Taylor, Matthew Lee (Groundhog) and Lewis Webb, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Service was held Wednesday Dec. 27, at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church Kenbridge.

S. P. Jones & Son in charge of the arrangement.