Ronald Anthony "Debo" "Ron" LEWIS

Ronald Anthony (Ron) Lewis, affectionately known as "Debo," 49, of Roanoke, Va., passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 14, 2013, with family close to his bedside. He was born in Roanoke, Va., to Octavia Edwards Lewis and the late Charles Herman Lewis Sr. Ron is well known as a husband, a father, and grandfather that loves within. He is a Man of God. To some-he is an uncle, nephew, cousin, brother- some days it just depends. His roles varied-as a stepfather, son-in-law, and brother-in-law to no end. And, to us all, Ron Lewis-is a dedicated and loyal friend.
Ron Lewis' dedication and commitment to the Roanoke Valley is evident in the many roles he played within the community. He was a positive influence to youth and their families; serving as a mentor, counselor, and friend. His humor and wittiness were always revealed in his effortless displays of honest comedy and satire. He was simply a funny person that many people loved to hug and embrace-because his "big teddy bear" heart was barely a hard thing to find. At the Lewis home, a person will never go without. Because, the Lewis household is a place of thanksgiving.
With that loving and caring personality, Ron was a consistency in many people's lives as a stable and confident leader. Ron was a fixture within the sports scenes, which was evident in his basketball and football endeavors while attending William Fleming High School. He graduated William Fleming in 1982 and continued his activities and education at Ferrum College. Afterwards, Ron shared his leadership while serving in the United States Army as an E4 Specialist.
Following his military service in 1989, Ron took on various roles in the community as a youth worker, counselor, and sports referee. Most notably, he dedicated 14 years of his life to working with at-risk youth at the Roanoke Valley Juvenile Detention Center (RVJDC). At RVJDC, he worked as an intake supervisor and shift supervisor. But, working face-to-face with the young men and women detained at RVJDC was his passion. He was their friend, leader, and teacher. He retired his post at RVJDC in 2012.
Ron leaves behind to cherish such memories, his wife, Patrice Lewis; children, Devin Jackson, Briahna Jackson, La'Ron Lewis, Ryan Lewis, and Danielle Richardson, as well as Danyeal Hayden and Gregory Gilchrist; mother, Octavia Edwards Lewis; brother, Harold (Juanita Lewis); sisters, Carolyn Nash and Gail Thompson; in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Hayden; sisters-in-law, Thonya Hayden and Melissa Hayden; adopted grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Percy Hill; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Herman Lewis Sr.; sister, Lula Jernigan; and brother, Charles Lewis Jr.
In March 2012, at the age of 48, Ron was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease." ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Ron fought the good fight, while surrounded by many loving members of his family, friends, and medical community. While there is not a cure or treatment today that halts or reverses ALS, research efforts continue to bring light to the many questions surrounding this disease.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Veterans Affairs Homebase Team; Hospice Amedisys; Home Instead; Carilion; Gentiva; Muscular Dystrophy Association; ALS Association; and the dedicated private duty caregivers, Danyeal Hayden, Gregory Gilchrist, Devin Jackson, Dedra Patterson, and Keishaiyah Hayden.
Celebration of Life Service will be held at noon on Monday, August 19, 2013, at Spirit of Life Church International with the Pastor Barbara C. Thomas, officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service. There will be no public viewing. Interment will be held in Southwest Virginia Veteran Cemetery, Dublin, Va. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ALS Association. www.walktodefeatALS.com. Condolences may be sent to www.Hamlar-Curtis.com.