Richard Edson “Dick” Hazel, age 84 of Calhoun, Georgia, peacefully passed away July 16th, 2023, after complications from a recent surgery. He was born on April 29th,1939 to Edson and Lavina Hazel, Stony Ridge, OH, who both preceded him in death. He graduated in 1957 from Troy-Luckey High School and served in the US Army. Dick was a Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout, which included travelling to New Mexico and canoeing in Canada. Dick was an avid car and motorsport enthusiast. After High school he enjoyed drag racing his 1958 Pontiac in the area and at the Detroit Dragway, winning many trophies.
Dick’s first automotive job was at Ed Schmidt Pontiac (then Front Pontiac). Perrysburg, OH. as a mechanic, working with his father, Edson “Ed” Hazel, who was the Service Manager. In 1972, upon his father’s retirement, Dick proudly became Service Manager until 1982. Dick treasured his time working with his father in the automotive industry he loved. Dick’s abilities extended beyond automotive to include electrical, plumbing, construction, and the ability to fix or install just about anything. He loved a challenge. He was proud of having built his home in Stony Ridge, OH. doing most of the work himself. Dick often said,” if you don’t have time to do it right, then where will you find time to do it over”.
Dick relocated his family to Canyon Lake, TX. in 1982 working as a General Motors Factory Rep for dealerships in the area. Dick then opened an automotive and hardware business in Canyon Lake. After many years, Dick returned to the area and began a new career path as a Project Manager at his sister Nancy and husband Kim Klewer’s security and fire system company, now Asset Protection Corporation, Inc. Toledo, OH. Dick was the commercial project manager for significant local and national security projects. Dick relocated to the Atlanta, GA. area and took a position as a Security Engineer at Eagle Pitcher, Inc. and then a Global Security Engineer at Novelis, Inc. Dick also owned Five Point Security, LLC, which installed Security, Access Control, and Video Systems. He always looked forward to seeing the latest security technology at the annual International Security Expo in Las Vegas.
Dick had a passion for work with no plans to retire, still installing security systems almost until his last day. He loved driving cross country, visiting family and friends. He liked dining at his favorite Mexican restaurants, always enjoying a good margarita. After moving to Georgia, Dick had great times on Lake Allatoona on his nephew’s boat with his sister, family, and friends.
Growing up he enjoyed summer family vacations in Indian River, MI, staying in cottages along the river. Years later, Dick cherished the annual family camping trips to Burt Lake State Park, Indian River, MI, and watching the yearly “Top O’ Michigan” outboard boat races. This year marked the 75th year and in memory of Dick, one racer had Dick’s name and lifespan on the bow of his boat.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Zarelda of 13 years; a beloved father of Sons Richard “Rick” Hazel, jr., and Randall “Randy” Hazel (Canyon Lake, TX.) and Daughter Rachel Hazel (New Braunfels, TX.); Grandchildren: Aubrey Hazel, Kristin (Andrew) Clasen, Meghan Hazel, Duston (Dana) Hazel; Great Grandchild Teagan Hazel; and his “little Sis” Sister, Nancy (Kim) Klewer (Perrysburg, OH.); Nephews Matthew (Jenn) Gallagher (Woodstock, GA), and Troy (Christine) Wallace (Holland, OH.) and Niece Michele (Shayne) Kitts (Loveland, OH.); five great Nieces and Nephews, and one great great Niece. He is also survived by his former wife, Ruth Hazel (Canyon Lake, TX.).
Graveside services and interment will be at Troy Township Cemetery, Luckey, Ohio, October 21st, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. A Celebration of Life to follow. Contact the Klewer family for details. Please leave a condolence message at CoyleFuneralHome.com.
