Richard Dixon "Dick" Harrah

1932 - 2024

Richard Dixon Harrah (Dick), 91, departed this life at his residence in South Charleston on June 13, 2024. Dick was born on August 26, 1932, to Leon Alexander Harrah and Lorena Dawson Harrah in Charleston, WV. He was the oldest of three boys, gaining the late Rita Pinson Harrah as his loving step-mother during adolescence. Dick graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in Charleston, where he excelled in football and track.

Dick married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Ann Haynes (Pat) in 1952. He found employment at Bell Lines Trucking Company, Inc., until called to duty by the United States Army in 1953 in Korea. He proudly served his country in North Korea near the 38th parallel, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was assigned Graves Registration Service, organized for the purpose of caring for deceased military personnel interred outside the United States. Dick was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the United States Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Upon completion of his duty, Dick returned to Charleston and his work at Bell Lines until 1970. He and Pat began a family, resulting in four children.

Dick's natural mechanical inclinations and strong work ethics led him to General Truck Sales, Inc. of Charleston, WV, Cummins, and finally Jasper Engines and Transmissions, Inc. of South Charleston, where he was the owner for over 40 years.

Dick was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Charleston. He was an avid golfer, and enjoyed many golf outings and lunches with his buddies. As a result of his father's involvement with an Indy Car team, sponsored by Bell Lines Trucking, Inc., he attended the Indy 500 for many years, turning the trips into family trips, which instilled in his family a love of the " Greatest Spectacle in Racing." He liked to reminisce about family vacations taken with the Cunningham Family, something still treasured by both families.

Dick provided well for his family throughout the years and his children are who they are because of his hard work and dedication. He is known for quietly helping many in need throughout the years, too many stories to tell.

Dick is predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Patricia (Pat) Harrah; brothers, Allen (Bubby) Harrah and Jim Harrah; and the beloved family dog, Charlie Brown. He is survived by four children: Rick (Joyce) Harrah, Mark (Beverly) Harrah, Karen Lehman (Kim), and Dave Harrah (Susan).

Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Erin Harrah, Kelli Harrah, Lauren Woodward (Mark), Andrew Harrah, Natalie Harrah, Nicole Newsome (Bryce), and Neil Harrah. Dick also has three Great Grandchildren: twins, Amelia and Margot Woodward, and Harry Woodward. Three nieces also mourn his loss: Dianna, Donna, and Debbie Cunningham, as well as other nieces and nephews. Neighbor Diane Whelan, a nurse, was instrumental in checking on Dick, as well as Pat, throughout the years. His loving caregiver, Carla Walker, was dear to Dick, becoming a part of the family, and the Harrah family will be forever grateful for her.

Services for Dick will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Charleston. Visitation begins at 11 am followed by the service at 12 noon, with the Rev. Ron Stoner officiating and Rev. Frank Lawson assisting. Dick will be interred with military honors following the service at Sunset Memorial Park in South Charleston.

Memories of Dick may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.