Eric "Ric" W. Lewis

Eric “Ric” W. Lewis age 74 of Cedar Springs died Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Mercy Health St. Mary’s in Grand Rapids. Ric was born March 8, 1947 in Grand Rapids the son of Wesley and Erlene (Smith) Lewis. Ric attended Cedar Springs Public Schools from Kindergarten through 12th grade graduating in 1965. While in high school he earned letters in Football, Basketball, Baseball and Cross Country. He also earned academic honors with National Honor Society and was in the Top Ten of his graduating class. Another honor was being voted as having the nicest legs in the senior class. Following high school Ric enrolled at Ferris State University and graduated in 1970 with a degree in Accounting. A part time job while in high school at Gust Construction Company as a tender for the masons resulted in a 40 year career at the company, retiring as the company Comptroller. A few months later Ric joined the team at Shaner Avenue Nursery as delivery man, handy man and doing anything else asked of him along with his friend Percy (perseverance) he could conquer all. He thoroughly enjoyed his days at work at the Nursery and the people he worked with and fully intended on returning in April 2021. He will be missed on the links at Cedar Chase and spending “social” time with his golf buddies. Watching the rain to announce “It is clearing over the bakery”. Getting his “Ears lowered” when he got a haircut. Sighing at the sound of “the only thing that annoys me” crinkling newspaper (Ha!). Never without a clean hanky in his pocket along with his trusty jack knife. And now Ric you can finally feel “finer than frog’s hair”. And never again will you have to endure “cold, burnt chicken’. RIP Surviving are his loving wife of 51 years, Bonnie (Carr); children, Libby (Bob) Allen, Katie (Jeff) Radike, Andrew Lewis, Kim Lewis (Donald Bulk); grandchildren, Rachel, Justin, Gavin, Hayden, Keegan and Makayla: sister, Polly VerDuin (Tracie, Trisha, Todd); sisters-in-law, Louise & Jim Opperman (Tim, Jeff, Matt), Rosemary Carr and his Bosom Buddies, Janis and Ivan Opperman. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Joseph VerDuin. The family will greet friends Friday, May 21 from 2-5 pm at the Bliss-Witter & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. A Celebration of Ric will immediately follow at the Opperman’s home: 11421 Shaner Ave, Rockford, MI. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Cedar Springs Education Foundation, Cedar Springs Athletic Boosters, MI Heart Association or a charity of your choice.