Dresden enterprise and Sharon tribune. (Dresden, Tenn.) 1907-1997, 1920-08-06
CITIZEN
DIES SUDDENLY.
R. T. Lewis, Leading Attorney,
Dies Suddenly. Inter7nent
Tuesday Afternoon.

No more stunning blow has ever
benumbed this community than the
announcement last Sunday nigth at
about IL o'clock of the death of Mr..
R 7. Lewis, for little more than
81 years leading lawyer of the
Dresden bar.
Mr.. Lewis had retired few mo-
ments earlier, apparently in the best
of health. Other members of the
family, who had also retired, were
conversing, when he was heard to
groan slightly, and it was seen that
he was in distress. His daughter
rushed to the front porch and called
DIR. Taylor, who lives just across the
street, but before he could reach
the bedside Mr.. Lewis had expired.
It was thought that his heart was
affected as the result Of an attack
of influenza which he suffered dur
ing last winter, but this was the
first time his family or friends had
known Of the fact.
Funeral services were conducted
fom the Methodist church by Revs.
C. L. Smith, G. T. Mayo and 7. N.
Hale on Tuesday afternoon, follow
ed by interment at the Dresden Gem
terry. The services were Of the
simplest character. Besides the To-
cal ministers, brief addresses were
made by Rev, W. G. Sellars, who Of
ficiated ct the marriage of Mr.. and
Mrs. Lewis, Finis Garrett and for
mer Judge R. E. Maiden. Persons
were in attendance from all portions
Of the county, and the genuine grief
felt by those who had known Mr.
Lewis found expression on every
side.
Mr.. Lewis, who was about SO
years of age, was born and reared on
farm in Humphrey county, at
tending the common schools OF his
community md for time college at
Valparaiso, Ind. He was graduated
in law from Cumberland University
of Lebanon, Tenn. In early man.
hood Mr.. Lewis came to Weakley
county and for several years en-
gagged in teaching at different
points here. In 1898, having beer
admitted to the bar, he opened ar
office in Dredsen. For many years
he and Mr.. Maiden were law part
ners. During the last Is years he
and Mr.. Garrett have been associ'
ated together,
He was married on Dec. %, 1894
to Miss Minnie Dent, Of this coun'
ty. near Martin, lady Of
great charm and culture, who has
hgraced their home and graced the so
Gals circles here. Four children
were born to them, The eldests
Rolandus, died a few weeks ago
The others, together with theil
mother, survive, these being one
son, Ralph, and two sisters, Misses
Rebecca and Rachel.
Mr.. Lewis was one Of the most
useful citizens whose life ever
blessed any community. AS wat
said at his funeral, he was bear
err of the community burdens. II
all the activities of our local life he
was a leader-one may well say the
Header. He was a devoted member
Of the Methodist church and one OF
its chief pillars. He had been lone
wears the leading factor in the life
of the public schools of our town
AS a lawyer, Mr.. Lewis moveC
upon the highest plane of prOfes'
sional ethics. He was studiOus anc
methodical, arriving at conclusions
slowly and clinging to them with
tenacity. He was considered dan
gerous adversary in a law suit, be
cause he mastered his side Of thu
case.
1t was observable that among thu
auditors at his funeral were large
number Of his clients. He not only
had their professional confidence
but their great personal respect an'
love. slsiI ssh