Samuel Richard “Dick” Latham, Sr., 84, of Quinton, Alabama, went to be with The Lord on February 20, 2017.
He was born on May 14, 1932, and raised near Carbon Hill, Alabama, on a working farm where he fondly recalled his days of working in the cotton fields, swimming in the creek on hot summer days, and making a life in simpler times. When he was a teenager, his family moved to Bessie Mining Camp where he eventually went to work as a third generation coal miner at Bessie Mines, working for 35 years under and above ground in many positions. He also was very involved in helping those less fortunate through his work with the United Mine Workers of America as president of the local union to involvement at the international level as well. He was instrumental in the passage of protective legislation for mining pensioners and widows. Dick also served four years in the Navy during the Korean War on the destroyer USS Halsey Powell and on the island of Guam. He also found time to build two houses for his family. But his greatest source of pride and love was his family, including his wife of 60 years, Jean Vanderver Latham; his son Sam (Colleen) Latham, of Quinton; and daughter Diana (Harry) Ponder of Auburn, Alabama. Of course if you were ever around him for very long, you also heard about his seven grandchildren whom he loved dearly and upon which he has made a profound impact: Glenn (Molly) Ponder, James Ponder; Molly, Emma, Sarah, Sammy, and Mattie Latham. He is also survived by one great-grandson, Collin Ponder, his sister Sara Barry of McCalla, four nephews, two nieces, and many friends and family. He is preceeded in death by his parents Clarence and Clemmie Latham and brother Dan Latham.
Visitation will be from 1-3 pm on Friday, February 24 at New Horizon in Dora with the funeral at 3 pm. Burial will be at Freewill Cemetery in West Jefferson. Rev. John Foles will officiate.
New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home directing 205-648-2323.
