Richard Asbury Redden

1939 - 2025

Richard Asbury Redden

December 19, 1939 - July 11, 2025

Richard Asbury Redden, 81, of Hickory, passed away Saturday, July 5, 2025, at his home after an extended battle with Alzheimer's.

Richard was born in Carrollton, Georgia on July 13, 1943. Following in his father's footsteps, he joined the Marines after high school, went through boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., and joined the Reserves. He earned a bachelor's degree from Georgia State University, and an MBA from Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania. After graduation, he was a software developer for the Sears catalog in Chicago, and a stockbroker with Bache & Co. in New York City. In 1971, he began his long and illustrious career at Driller's Service in Hickory, N.C., initially as comptroller, but eventually ascended to CFO and, later, President, until his retirement in 2017.

Richard was a true Renaissance Man with a wide variety of interests and hobbies, including being an avid golfer, bowler, world traveler, pilot, collector, and teller-of-tales. He was an active member and supporter of the Lake Hickory Shag Club, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, and Lake Hickory Country Club, among many other charitable and veteran organizations. We would also be remiss not to mention that his life was forever changed upon his son's acceptance to Duke University. From that point, he became a long-time Iron Duke and passionate (some might say rabid) supporter of Duke basketball. Above all else, Richard loved and treasured his family, particularly the annual Robinson Family Reunion in Carrollton, Georgia – a weeklong celebration attended by as many as 250 or more of his mother's family: 11 brothers and sisters, and 5 generations of relatives. There was, and still is, lots of laughter, food, games, and fun. It was always the highlight of his summer.

In addition to his parents, Richard and Rebecca Redden, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy Mahaffey Redden; his sister Marie Redden; and his daughter Rhonda Lynn Redden.

He will also be lovingly remembered by his former wife Frances Redden and their two children Robert Redden and Angela Redden-Teague; two stepchildren Lavone Helton and husband Christopher, James H. Connell II and wife Tammy; grandchildren Ava Teague, Ian Teague, David Sigmon and wife Kaitlyn, Krysta Davis and husband Chris, Christopher Connell, Logan Connell, and Noah Sigmon; and great-grandchildren Indie, Cyrus, Josie, and Daisy.

A celebration of Richard's life will be held on Saturday, July 19th, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Redden's Tavern at Lake Hickory Country Club Town Course.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org/research) or Carolina Caring (www.carolinacaring.org/give).