Riley Ewing

Riley Ewing (90), aka "Doodad", passed peacefully into the Heavenly kingdom on Saturday, April 24, 2021. Riley was born in Hodges, Texas on May 4th, 1930 to Pearl (McCoy-Cotton) and Carlos Ewing.
At the young age of 5, he started life as an overcomer. When doctors told his mother he would never walk again due to a diagnosis of osteomyelitis, young Riley proved them wrong and was able to not only walk again but also succeeded in a career where he stood on his feet 12 hours a day. He was a hard-working and dedicated employee at Hoppe Auto Electric for 40 years, retiring in 1995. Though he retired at the "young" age of 65, he always remained actively working in his shop and sharpening his computer skills. He was an avid researcher on the computer and even enjoyed playing "Flight Simulator". In addition, he was still doing yardwork and playing 42 in his spare time. He always believed in working his mind and continued to develop his mental skills every day of his life. He married Betty Nell Freeman on February 9, 1952 and they enjoyed a long marriage of 60 years before her death in 2012. One of the most defining moments in his life was when Betty was gravely sick in 2007 and he knelt beside her bed in the hospital and prayed to the Lord for a miracle. He promised the Lord that if the He would save her, he would turn his life around and become a faithful servant. He promised he would find a church and would become a dedicated Christian leader for his family. Riley was granted a 2nd chance and Betty lived for 5 more years. Riley, true to his word, was baptized at Bible Chapel by Pastor Don Woods and W.L. Massey when he was 80 years old! And, Riley began to lead his family to church and became a Godly example for all to see and follow.
On July 20, 2013 Riley married the 2nd love of his life, Jeannie Sneed Ewing, who had been a close family friend for 55 years. They enjoyed close to 8 years of wedded bliss and enjoyed a rich life of church involvement, traveling, camping, family outings, watching baseball and football games, and conversation over coffee and bird-watching each morning at their family table. Jeannie was a faithful and dedicated wife, devoted to Riley until the very end.
Riley was preceded in death by his father & mother; his son Gerald Ewing, two brothers, Elzie Ewing and Archie Ewing.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jeannie Sneed Ewing of Abilene; two children: Laurie (David) Walker of Princeton, TX and Karen (Brian) Massey of Abilene, TX; two step children: Triana Cook (Charlie) of Abilene, TX and Terrell Sneed of Abilene, TX; three sisters: Fern Baird of Houston, TX, Shirley Robertson of Abilene, TX, and Helen Hackney of Kerrville, TX; one brother Carrol (June) Ewing of Novice, TX; 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be provided by Elmwood Funeral Home, officiated by Brian Massey. Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 27th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and the funeral service will be on Wednesday, April 28th at 11:00 a.m., graveside to follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either Hendrick Hospice, 1651 Pine St, Abilene, TX 79601; or Houses for Healing at www.housesforhealing.com.