Rodney Lewis

Rodney Dwight Lewis July 13, 1937 – November 7, 2025

Rodney Dwight Lewis, age 88, of Huntington, WV, passed away on November 7, 2025. Born on July 13, 1937, in Wharton, WV, he was the son of Irene and Virgil Jenkins and spent most of his childhood in Paintsville, KY with his grandparents, Walter and Gypsie Lewis, who he referred to as mom and dad.

To know Rodney was to love him. He lived a long and fulfilling life marked by incredible kindness, integrity, and an amazing work ethic. He worked at Special Metals, formerly Inco, from 1965 to 2000, where he spent 27 of the 32 years as a bricklayer. He was easy-going, hard-working, and beloved by his colleagues, seldom missing a day of work.

He married the love of his life, Patty Sue Mayo, on July 12, 1963, and together they shared sixty-two wonderful years together. They built a family grounded in faith, love, generosity, and hard work. Rodney would tell you that his greatest accomplishment in life was marrying Patty; however, it was really his demonstration of true love and selflessness daily.

Well known throughout the community because of his infectious smile and passion for walking, Rodney often logged more than eight miles a day at Ritter Park, the Huntington Mall, or wherever he happened to be. His record was twenty-eight miles in one day while training for a marathon he would later complete with his son in San Diego, CA. He documented over 60,000 miles since he started participating in a walking program at INCO at the age of thirty-eight. In addition to walking, Rodney was a beekeeper, a hobby he loved, for 45 years. He was the honey supplier for many local families. The ‘honey money’ was used to fund annual family vacations to Myrtle Beach, a favorite destination of his due to the sun and long beaches, perfect for walking.

Rodney was a devout Christian and member of Huntington Christian Church in Westmoreland for 60 years. He raised his family and was a pillar in the Church, serving several roles over the years. His last role was one of ‘Greeter’, a position he excelled at as there was no one more warm or welcoming than him.

Rodney is survived by his three children and their spouses, Michael and Cathy Lewis, Mark and Shawna Lewis, and Monica and Andy Smith. He was adored by six grandchildren and their spouses, Ben Lewis, Alex Lewis, Kaden and Ciara Lewis, Braelee and Branty Wilson, Amelie Pinkernell and Maximilian Pinkernell. He was fortunate to live long enough to also enjoy two great grandchildren, Riley and Lainey Lewis with Georgia Wilson due in January. Rodney is also survived by his sister, Billie Cassel, a lifelong friend, confidante and neighbor who meant so much to him.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Irene and Virgil Jenkins, and his grandmother and grandfather, Walter and Gypsie Lewis.

Rodney and Patty lived the last two years of their lives at Woodlands Retirement Community. The entire family is eternally grateful to all the staff and feels that the family grew significantly over the last few years due to the care, love, and support extended upon the couple while living there.

Visitation for both Patty and Rodney will be at Reger Funeral Home on November 23rd from 1:00 to 3:00 with funeral services immediately after with Scott Byard proceeding. The entombment will immediately follow at Dock’s Creek Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Appalachian Beekeeping Collective, a nonprofit organization that trains, supports, and provides bees and equipment free of charge to partner beekeepers in economically distressed counties. Charitable Gifts – The Appalachian Beekeeping Collective