Russell H. Lewis Jr.

  Russell H. Lewis Jr., 60, of Portsmouth, died Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at the James Cancer Center in Columbus. He was born January 10, 1961 in Lebanon, KY, a son of the late Martha Louise (Redden) and Russell H. Lewis Sr.

  Anyone who knew Russ would say he was a good guy. He was good because he loved his family, good because he helped people, good because he was reliable and took pride in the work that he did. He was good because he was a man of simple pleasures. All he needed was his family, his dogs, a yard and a swing.

  Russ was hired to the Portsmouth Fire Department on May 29, 1988 and retired as a lieutenant on June 3, 2014. He was an exceptional and highly respected fireman by all with whom he worked. A 1980 Portsmouth High School graduate, he had attended Shawnee State and was an Air Force veteran. He served as a Fire Protection Specialist and was awarded the Outstanding Unit Award, Training Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal.  

   Russ is survived by his wife, M. LeAnn Campbell Lewis, whom he married August 13, 1983 in New Boston; two sons, Russell H. Lewis III of Lexington, KY and Zachary L. Lewis of Centerville; three brothers, William Randall (Maureen) Lewis, Sr. of Wellston, Frederick Alan (Ruth Ann) Lewis of Grove City and Daniel Eric (Carol) Lewis of Roper, NC; four sisters, Martha Ellen (Michael) O’Connor of Circleville, Margaret Lucille Lewis of Wilkinson, WV, Tammara Louise (Kevin) Osborne of Lucasville and Frances Marie Lewis Craft of Salley, SC; his father and mother-in-law,Jack and Margaret Campbell of Portsmouth; many nieces, nephews and their families; his family at the Portsmouth Fire Department; his beloved dogs, Brynnel, Bootsie, Beetle Bug and Bumper; and his grand dog, Blue Dog.

   There will be a visitation Monday from 4 to 5 P.M. at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth. Masks will be required. The Portsmouth Fire Department will hold The Last Alarm ceremony beginning at 5 P.M., followed by the James Dickey Post #23 with Military Rites. Both will be available for viewing via a Live Stream beginning at 5 P.M. on the funeral home Facebook page.

   In lieu of flowers, you are asked to make contributions in memory of Russ to an animal rescue organization such as Sierra’s Haven, Cabin Critters or the Scioto County Dog Shelter, or the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

   The flag of the U.S. Air Force will fly at the funeral home in honor of Mr. Lewis’ service to our country.

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