Richard "Dick" Paxton

Richard "Dick" Paxton, 93, passed away peacefully at home on November 25. Dick grew up in Greenwood, Indiana where he met his first love Patricia Ann Craft. They were married for 53 years prior to her passing. He met his next love Gloria Hudson and they have been married 15 years.

He was a World War II veteran and served in the US Navy in the Asiatic Pacific Campaign as a Seabee stationed in Saipan. After leaving the Navy he worked for Conn Music Co in Elkhart, Indiana. He then began a sales career with Nabisco Brands retiring after 33 years of service.

Dick and his wife Pat started a cancer support group “Friends for Hope” in Louisville, Kentucky. They moved to Pelham, Alabama when he retired to be closer to grandchildren. Dick was a member of Shades Valley Presbyterian Church and a charter member of American Legion Post 555. After meeting Gloria they became very active with the Pelham Senior Center. When they weren’t volunteering they were ballroom dancing or tending to their beautiful garden.

Dick is survived by sons Tom (Pattie), Andy (Michele) daughter Ruth (John) Simon, daughter-in-law Terri Paxton; eleven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great, great-grandchild; step-daughter Cynthia (Ernie) Eldredge and step-son George (Paula) Hudson; two step-grandsons, one step-granddaughter and six step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by first wife Patricia Craft Paxton (2001), son Robert Craft Paxton (2019) and step-grandson Steven James Brast (2015).

Funeral services are scheduled at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at Currie Jefferson Funeral Home, Hoover. Viewing one half hour before services.

Interment will be at the Alabama National Cemetery.

The family would like to express their love and appreciation to the staff at Shelby Baptist Hospital Alabaster.

Any memorials to honor Dick should be directed to Presbyterian Children’s Home, 905 Gertrude Michaels Drive, Talladega, AL 35160. No flowers please.