Charisma and character are two ways to describe Charles Richard "Dick" Estridge who passed peacefully following an extended illness, surrounded by his family on February 4, 2025.
Dick was born August 14, 1951 in Floyd County, Kentucky, to Harold "Zeke" Estridge and Mildred (Mullins) Estridge who preceded him in death. Dick was a 1969 graduate of Willard High School where he played baseball and studied the art of welding at Pioneer JVS.
Dick married in 2004 to Karen (Clime) Estridge, who survives. Dick is also survived by his loving children Dawn (Brett) McDaniel, Scott Estridge (special friend, Diana Adelman), Carla (Michael) Conklin and Kyle (Olivia) Groves. He was the youngest of his brothers, Dale Estridge and Robert Estridge who survive. Dick truly loved spending time with his grandchildren, Alexis (Khullen) Roberts, Jordyn McDaniel, Austin Estridge, Myli Estridge, lan Conklin, and Levi Conklin. He had many friends who enjoyed his charm, sense of humor, orneriness, and genuinely loving personality. He dearly enjoyed his family and friends.
Dick retired from the Norfolk Southern Railroad after 42 years of service. He began his career as a fireman and was quickly promoted to engineer. He ran trains from Bellevue to Portsmouth and was asked to be the engineer for the NS Presidential Train just before his retirement.
Dick was an avid golfer, playing in leagues with friend, Curby Slone, and was the winner of the Williard Golf Club Championship Flight B a few years back. He relished many golf trips with his friends to Myrtle Beach and various courses in the Carolinas. In addition, Dick was an accomplished guitarist. He played for others to sing along and wrote meaningful songs for his wife, family, and even neighbors. Mr. Estridge was a volunteer firefighter for the City of Willard in the 1970's and 1980's and an active member of the Willard Jaycees during his young adult years.
Dick loved boating, whether tootling around Holiday lakes on his pontoon or racing around the lake hauling skiers and tubers (throwing off any tuber who challenged that he couldn't throw them). He could be heard saying with a smile, "I'm the best teacher for young water skiers this side of the Mason Dixon Line."
Dick loved the Lord and regularly attended Willard Methodist Church. The family are thankful to Southern Care Hospice, especially Samantha and Madissen, for the tender and personalized care. The family recognizes the value of Dick's two home caregivers, Karen McDaniel and Julia Sanders, who provided loving care for the past several months. Special thanks to Barbara Kocher for being a steadfast friend throughout Dick's illness.
Calling hours will be on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Additional calling hours will be on Friday, February 7, 2025 at Grace Methodist Church in Willard, Ohio from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Dick’s funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Mike Leonard officiating. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Bucyrus, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Willard Grace Methodist Church or the Dementia Society of America through the Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made to Dick’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com
Condolences
Penny Mastron Howell - Feb 13, 2025
Karen my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family . I lost my husband Dec. 25th so I feel your pain. I graduated with Dick . He was a great friend to everyone and one of the nicest guys anyone could meet, I was really sorry to hear of his passing . He will be missed by all. May the good memories help you get through the days ahead.
Stu Young - Feb 8, 2025
Sorry to hear of Dick's passing. He was a classmate of mine and very kind person.
Emily Ratterman - Feb 7, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear about Dick’s passing. He was such a great guy and we had the best time as kids boating & tubing. My heart goes out to his family.
Curby - Feb 7, 2025
RIP my friend, have us a tee time ready.
Bill & Beth - Feb 7, 2025
Dick was always fun to hang with all thru high school and funny as hell. I’ll miss his laugh. Our prayers and love to you all 🙏
Gary Fink - Feb 7, 2025
So sorry to hear of Dick passing. Prayers for all.
Jamie - Feb 6, 2025
This man played a big part in my life growing up , Scott and Dawn were like siblings to me . From riding 3 and 4 wheelers around Holiday Lakes to hanging on for dear life on the tube on the back of his boat . I was also one of the privileged ones that got the guidance on how to water ski from him . He also taught me how to drive the old Ford pick up . I used to love seeing him grab the guitar and play some Eric Clapton . He will be missed tremendously . Dawn , Scott , and Karen my thoughts are with you guys at this time .
Donnie & Mary Lovins - Feb 6, 2025
We are so sorry to hear of Dick‘s passing. We both knew him from the many years working on the railroad. Dick was always a fun guy to be around and always had a laugh or a story to tell. Sending our deepest sympathies to his family for their loss.
Barbara Blankenship - Feb 5, 2025
Dawn ,Karen and family , I’m so sorry for your loss. May God be with you and bring you peace and comfort. RIP Dick
Julie Miller - Feb 5, 2025
Karen- I pray that you and family can find strength, peace and great memories. Dick was such a good guy- he put up with you after all - but I know he loved you fiercely. Please take good care. Big love.
Sarah Kimmel - Feb 5, 2025
Karen, I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Donnie Sharp family - Feb 5, 2025
We were very sorry to hear of the passing of Dick. He was friends with my dad (Donnie) and Aunt Bon & Uncle Richard for as long as I can remember. He had the best sense of humor and was always so fun to be around. Your entire family is in our prayers.
George and Barabara Hiltbrunner - Feb 5, 2025
So sorry for your loss.He was a wonderful person.
Kim Sexton - Feb 5, 2025
Scott, Dawn and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have many great memories of Dick. Much Love, Hugs and prayers.
Marsha Ganni - Feb 5, 2025
Dawn, Brett and family, Sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Ron and Rhonda - Feb 5, 2025
Dickie was one of the best people you could ever know. He was kind, caring, so funny and just a great friend. He will be missed by so many. RIP Dickie.
Rebecca - Feb 5, 2025
Karen and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kim Davis - Feb 5, 2025
So very sorry for your loss, I remember him well from the golf course and telling me about all the tomatoes he planted.Sending healing thoughts your way.
Amanda - Feb 5, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about Dick’s passing. I have very fond memories of Carla bringing me in college to go boating and Dick always driving the boat, living with Dick, Karen and Kyle for a week while I did my clinicals and meeting up with Dick and Karen at the Moose several times just to hang out and talk and have dinner. He was always a peaceful presence and so welcoming to anyone who just wanted to sit and talk. My family and I send our condolences.
Robert - Feb 5, 2025
Although Dick has been struggling for quite some time, and the decline in his health was difficult to witness, it was still a shock to hear of his passing. As a fellow classmate, we had many opportunities to interact, and I always appreciated Dick’s pranks & sense of humor, and that is something I missed seeing in him as his health declined. Kind thoughts and prayers are going out for Dick, Karen, and Dick’s extended family. May God provide strength and comfort for the difficult days ahead, and fond memories for the years to come.
Sara Lazzari - Feb 4, 2025
Karen, Donovan and I love you!
Romie and Brenda Miller - Feb 4, 2025
So sorry to hear this, we will miss his laugh and smile, may God Bless you and your family.
Josh - Feb 4, 2025
Growing up in Willard, I had the privilege to meet and become great friends with Kyle Groves. In hanging out with Kyle, I had the pleasure of being around his wonderful family-Dickie being a part of that. Much of our time was spent hanging out at Dick and Karen’s at Holiday Lake. Spending time on Dick’s boat and learning how to water ski were some of the fondest memories that I will cherish forever. From his famous one-liners to his wild boat driving skills, Dick was truly a one of a kind man. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. His family are near and dear to my heart and my thoughts/prayers are with them.
