Richard H. "Dick" Tait of Decatur
Richard Helms (Dick) Tait, age 82, of Decatur died at his residence on Tuesday,July 2, 2012. A memorial service will be held Friday, July 6, 2012, at 4 PM at The Church of Good Shepherd, Episcopal with the Reverend David Dill officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8PM Thursday, July 5, 2012 at the Church. Dick was born February 9, 1930 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Henrietta Helms and Edgar Manley Tait. He was both a founding member and choir member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Episcopal.He joined theUS Marine Reserve prior to the Korean War and left to attend North Carolina State University where he graduated with a degree in Pulp Technology. After graduation Dick was drafted into the US Army in May 1953 where he trained as a high speed radio operator but was honorably discharged a year later due to injury.Returning to work for now Champion Papers International, he retired in 1986 but continued to be active in real estate. Dick was best known for his many roles in theatrical performances and for creating countless smiles as Santa Claus at many local schools and locations. He was preceded in death by his parents; former wife, Mary Chris Gates Tait; and one brother William Edgar Tait. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Hilda Mote Tait; two sons, Richard Edgar Tait of Decatur and James Olin Tait of Huntsville; two daughters, Sally Tait Quinn of Meridian, MS, and Sue Tait Kurz of Trinity, Step-son Steve cameron; seven grandchildren, Brooke Quinn Howard of Hattiesburg, MS, Mary Victoria Tait Quinn of Meridian, MS, Kristina Kurz Webb of Spartanburg, SC, Robert Douglas Kurz of Sumter, SC, Daniel Louis Tait, William Manley Tait, Mitchell Lee Tait,and sarah Elizabeth Tait all of Decatur; and six great grandchildren, Connor Patrick Quinn, James Clifton Hess, Cadence Lee Tait, Samantha NikkaelaKurz, Riley DouglasKurz, andSofieElaine Webb. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Church of the Good Shepherd Building Fund (3809 Spring Ave. SW, Decatur), Hospice of the Valley(240 Johnston St. SE, Decatur), Morgan County Mental Health Association (207 Commerce Circle SW, Decatur), or the Morgan/Lawrence County American Red Cross (431 Holly St. NE, Decatur).