Salem-Richard “Tail” Lee Paxson, 80, Salem, passed away on Thursday August 11, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.
Dick was born on February 19, 1942 in Salem, Ohio to the late Robert and Claris (Bailey) Paxson.
Dick graduated from Salem High School in 1961, where he loved fast cars, was outside, and worked at Paxson Machine. Dick later worked on sound and equipment for Sing Out Salem.
In 1966 Dick founded Paxson Tool Grinding and Pimco Inc. Through his business he enjoyed traveling and meeting new customers who quickly became friends. He was a hard worker and proud of his company and the people he worked for. Dick retired in 2015 at the age of 73.
Dick has always been involved in the community. From sponsoring youth sports teams to filming sporting events, he loved giving his time to raise funds for programs he cared about. He and coach Roger Zeigler co-founded the Salem Girls’ Basketball Scholarship Fund in 1996. After his retirement, he spent most of his time volunteering at Greenford Christian Church’s Big Reach Center of Hope.
He will always be remembered by his children and grandchildren “Father”. Dick enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s activities. He beamed with pride as he watched his grandchildren grow. Dick also enjoyed meeting his friends and family for meals at various local restaurants including Heggy’s, Pop Jackson’s and Wendy’s.
Dick leaves behind a loving family, two daughters, Christi (Mathew) Arnoto of Salem, Kelly Paxson of Salem, and a son, Rich (Michelle) Paxson of East Palestine; seven grandchildren, Alyssa, Gavin, Carson, Aiden, Brendan, Owen and Lucas; a sister, Carolyn (Paxson) Core, of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania; three nephews and three great-nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by Jackie Hannay, his ex-wife, with whom he remained close; a brother-in-law, Ed Core and his beloved Jack Russell, Scooter.
Friends and family will be welcomed on Monday, August 15, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Stark Memorial, Salem.
A memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 11:00 am, with John Bush of Greenford Christian Church officiating. A burial will take place at a later date in Grandview Cemetery in Salem.
The family is asking that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Salem Girls’ Basketball Scholarship Fund in memory of Richard Paxson. This scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate of the Salem girls basketball team.
Please donate to; Salem Community Foundation, PO Box 553, Salem, Ohio 44460.
If you are unable to attend, you can show your support by joining our free one “Hugs from Home” Program where your message is attached to a balloon in the chapel to remind family of your love and support at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home. Arrangements are being made by the Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
To view Dick’s obituary, send condolences, or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.
08/13/22