Obituaries

Mr. Richard James Ladlee

Richard ‘Dick’ James Ladlee, age 92, passed away peacefully at home on February 7, 2025 in Henrico, North Carolina. He was born September 21, 1932 in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Richard had many professions, but the ones he envisioned and brought to life were among his favorites. From the backyard of his Lake Gaston, Henrico, NC home, he opened Ladlee’s Greenworld, a nursery and landscaping business, and Ladlee’s Golf Cars, the sale and service of golf cars. Once he retired from these endeavors, he established Lake Gaston Bird Farm, which was open free of charge to the community. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mae Ladlee; brothers, Edwin Ladlee and Orin Ladlee; sisters Dorothy Mahoney, Jean Kilby, and Linda Maden; and his son Richard ‘Ricky’ Ladlee, II. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 72 years, Cynthia Ladlee; two daughters, Sandy Moore and Suzanne Ladlee; three grandchildren, Amanda Writtenberry (Charlie), Kyle Taduran (Lindsay), and Cody Taduran (Lexie); five great-grandchildren, Ashley Comly (Robert), Madalynn Writtenberry, Sloane Taduran, Rhys Taduran, and Miles Taduran; several great-great-grandchildren Roman Argueta, Ava Comly, and Charley Comly; sister-in-law, Lucille Adcox; close friend, Jerry Askew and beloved pet, Tippy. A special thank you for the care and compassion of long-time caregivers Cindy, Denise, Henrietta, and Vertilla. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Online condolences may be made through our website, www.crowderhitecrews.com. Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Ladlee family.