Charles Richard "Dick" Estridge

Visitation:
Thursday, February 6, 2025
4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Secor Funeral Home
Willard, Ohio
Visitation 2:
Friday, February 7, 2025
10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Grace Methodist Church
Willard, Ohio
Service:
Friday, February 7, 2025
11:00 a.m.
Grace Methodist Church
Willard, Ohio
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