Mr. Richard Matthew Hailey, Sr.
April 10, 1930 – July 2, 2024
Richard was born on April 10, 1930, to Ashton Hailey and Lena (Riley) Hailey, in Harrisburg, PA.
Richard graduated from Steelton-Highspire High School in 1947.
As a young man, he followed the advice of an uncle who was a Buffalo Soldier in the Army. He told Richard to seek a career in the Army and then he would have a lifelong pension. Richard enlisted in the United States Army and served his country faithfully during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. He obtained the rank of Sargent First Class, and for a period was an instructor on Redstone Arsenal. He retired after 22 years of service in 1970.
During his military career, he obtained two associate degrees in accounting. One from Alverson and Draughon College on the GI Bill. He was also the pitcher on his slow pitch soft ball team. Through the years, Richard and his wife were avid bowlers. They participated locally and traveled to many tournaments. In 1987, he was the Alabama American Bowling Congress (ABC) Senior Singles Champion (“Class D”).
Richard then worked at Pittsburg, Paint, and Glass Industries (PPG) making airplane windshields He retired for a second time in 1994, after 24 years of service.
Richard was preceded in death by his ex-wife Madeline E. Hailey; and his siblings: Carroll Thomas Hailey, Esther Colbert, and Virginia Robinson.
He is survived by his six children: Karl (Jeanette) Pearson, Richard Hailey, Jr. Anthony (Cynthia) Hailey, Martin Hailey, Pamela Hailey Jackson, and Patricia Lynn Hailey; five grandsons: Karl Pearson Jr, Benjiman Pearson, Alan (Kathy) Pearson, Brian Smith (Leighandra), and Gregory Jackson; fourteen great-grandchildren, and four great great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at the Royal Chapel of Memories (4315 Oakwood Avenue NW, Huntsville, AL 35810). Interment will be in the Oakwood Memorial Gardens.
Public viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2024 and 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at the Royal Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of North Alabama.
