Richard Harrison Haddix

Richard Harrison Haddix was born on April 4, 1932, the fourth of nine children but the only son of Howard and Ethel Haddix in Grand Ledge, Michigan. He graduated from Lake Odessa in June 1950. As a young man he worked at the family-owned sawmill in Lake Odessa, where his passion for woodworking was ignited. During high school he met the love of his life, Gayle Root, and they were married on June 27, 1952. They went on to have three daughters, and again Richard was surrounded by all women. In August of 1952 he volunteered for the US Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Richard took pride in being a Veteran. After his service he went to trade school in Memphis, Tennessee and became a Licensed Lumber Inspector. In 1955 he worked for Budgess Lumber Company in Grand Rapids as a Lumber Buyer, covering the states of Michigan, Northern Indiana, Ohio and Illinois. He later became an Independent Contractor prior to full retirement. Retirement allowed him to have time to do the many things he loved like: model railroading, painting and drawing, woodworking, carving, traveling, hunting and fishing.
Richard was blessed to have the ability to take his family on many trips. He and Gayle spent several winters in Tucson, Arizona and traveled to many states with their friends. In 1962 Richard gave his heart to the Lord. In 1969 he became an ordained minister and led a small church in the basement of their home in Lake Odessa. In 1978, he and his family joined a church in Charlotte and later moved to Charlotte in 1982. Where he has resided since. Richard will be remembered for his love of dogs especially his best friend Shep, and “Being a Picker,” his great sense of humor, loved to be the center of attention, and always being the comic. He loved to share stories about his past experiences and travels and even wrote a book about his life for his family.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gayle (Root) Haddix in March of 2006; parents, Howard and Ethel Haddix; sisters, Geraldine Eno, Virgilene Hiller, Adilene Eckman, Lorna Sherman, Sandra McCloud; brothers-in-law, Ross, Calvin, Roger, Don and Leonard. He is survived by his three daughters, Jeanie Bayly, Jeri (Bob) Leiby, Kim Dickinson; 13 grandchildren and many more great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many friends. Richard’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers of Sensations Memory Care and of Elara Caring.
Friends are encouraged to support Richard’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Friday, May 26, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Legion Post 42, Charlotte. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Richard’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.