[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 136 (Tuesday, August 16, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E853]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING THE 90TH BIRTHDAY OF RICHARD E. LEWIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH NORMAN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 16, 2022

  Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Richard E. 
Lewis's ninetieth birthday.
  Born in Sedalia, Missouri in 1932, Mr. Lewis has lived a full and 
vibrant life for the last ninety years. His father, J.D. Perry Lewis, 
built the first automobile west of the Mississippi River in 1883. With 
the automotive business in Dick's blood, he graduated from General 
Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan and later moved to Charlotte, North 
Carolina where he worked for the Pontiac Motor Division of General 
Motors. During this time, Dick and his beautiful wife Darla fell in 
love with the Lake Wylie area. He retired in 1987, and the couple built 
a home in River Hills.
  Following his retirement from General Motors, Dick began serving with 
Dick Keffer Automotive and helped establish the Keffer Management 
Company Foundation. In 1990, Dick was named Executive Director of the 
Greater Charlotte Automobile Dealer Association. He grew association 
membership from forty dealers to over 100 until his retirement in 2010.
  Dick also founded the Charlotte International Auto Show, which 
remains one of the largest automobiles shows in the Southeast. The Auto 
Show raises money for charities in the Charlotte area and has donated 
over 7 million dollars to local charities since its inception.
  In addition to his automotive business success, Dick has a passion 
for sparking synergy between people and groups and is always on the 
hunt for new projects, especially those that help his community. He has 
been an active member of the River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club for over 
forty years, during which he served as President of the Club for 
numerous years and received the Melvin Jones Award and other accolades 
in recognition of his service and involvement. Dick was instrumental in 
helping form the River Hills/Lake Wylie Lions Club Charitable 
Foundation, which provides ongoing support to local charities. He is 
also involved with the Charlotte Rescue Mission, which provides faith-
based recovery programs to help those struggling with the disease of 
addiction.
  Dick Lewis has lived a remarkable life full of success and service. 
On behalf of the Fifth District of South Carolina, it is my sincere 
pleasure to wish Dick a happy 90th birthday. May the next 90 be even 
better.

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