Ralph Gerald Lewis, retired insurance agent
Ralph Gerald Lewis, 82, of Frankford passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes following a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born in Millville Aug. 12, 1938, son of the late Ralph Elijah and Charlotte Derrickson Lewis Bratton. During his adolescent years, his Dad remarried Daisy West Lewis, who became his beloved stepmother.
For over 30 years, Mr. Lewis worked as an insurance agent. He started working in the life and health field, and then transitioned to property and casualty in his later career. Following retirement, he worked for many years as a funeral home assistant for Parsell Funeral Homes.
Gerald had a strong work ethic and was meticulous when it came to completing a project. His yard, his cars - especially his Black F 150 - and his clothing attire had to be always kept in immaculate condition. Not only did he maintain his cars well, he kept extremely fit by working out in his own gym. He was a fan of stock car racing and could often be seen with his wife at the Georgetown Speedway or the Delaware International Speedway.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janice Marie Gray Lewis; two daughters, Donna Rae Robinson (Clayton E.) of Salisbury, Md., and Diane Lewis Timmons of Salisbury; a very close friend whom he considered like an adopted son, Joe Perna (April) of Harrington; three sisters, Yvonne Cropper of Selbyville, Janet McCabe (Ray) of Fenwick Island and Florida, and Carol Mitchell of Salisbury; two half-sisters, Linda B. Hudson of Easley, S.C., and Deborah Durkee (Will) of Seaford; one stepbrother Dennis Workman (Cheryl) of Frankford; three grandchildren, Aaron M. Robinson (Dawn Elizabeth) of Georgetown, Stacey Hutson (Thomas) of Dagsboro and Zachry J. Brinker (Karen) of Ellicott City, Md.; three great-grandchildren, Grace Kennedy Robinson, Rebecca Avery Robinson and Reagan Emily Hutson. He was also predeceased by his beloved dog Dutchess, whom he deeply loved.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 11, at noon, at The River - A Wesleyan Church, 35175 Roxana Road, Frankford, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow the services at Roxana Cemetery. The services will also be livestreamed from the church. Please check the Parsell website for the link. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing protocols must be observed and masks must be worn by everyone in attendance and/or participating in any aspect of the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Tunnell Cancer Center or the South Coastal Cancer Center, in memory of Ralph Gerald Lewis, C/O Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.
Please visit Gerald’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign his virtual guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Clarksville Chapel.
