Mr. Rick Day, age 69, a native of Tuscaloosa, Ala. and resident of Orange Beach, Ala., passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016 in Pagosa Springs, Colo.
Rick was the son of V. Day Jr. and Jane (Trice) Day.
From an early age, Rick always had a zest for life; he was an avid sportsman where he received endless awards and trophies. Rick loved dirt bikes, skiing, snowmobiles, fast cars and fast boats; he had a need and fascination for speed.
During his college year, Rick felt a strong sense of duty and honor to service his country and join the United States Navy. He served two tours in Vietnam.
After Rick returned from serving in the Navy, he started his career in his family’s owned and operated coal company. Rick was the third generation in his family to carry on the legacy of Center Coal Co.
In the ‘80s Rick’s love for boats and speed paid off for him, allowing him to hold two world records for the fastest bass boat. He also competed in many fishing tournaments on his boat “Experts Only.” Being outdoors, and especially on the water fishing, were more than just hobbies to Rick. They were his passion.
In accordance with his drive for sports, he was a member of numerous clubs; lifetime member of BPOE, “The Bay Boys” antique car club, Florida Powerboat Club and the Pagosa Springs Snowmobile Club, just to name a few.
Rick is survived by his loving wife, Dana Day of Orange Beach; daughter, Heather Day Coleman and son-in-law Kevin Coleman of Haleyvillie; stepdaughter, Cayla Marie Marcet of Orange Beach; and four grandchildren, Jake, Hope, Isabella and Owen Coleman.
Pallbearers for the Day service include Mike Allen, Wendell Latham, Russell Clemmons, Gordon Rickles, Kevin Thibodeaux, Mark Graubart and Gary Nichols.
Honorary pallbearers include Joe Blair, Jeff Baggett, Al Quinn , Dale Casey, Jim Eberline and Bo Wilson.
Funeral services for Mr. Day will be Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016 starting 1 p.m. at the Orange Beach United Methodist Church, with visitation two hours prior.
There will be a graveside service with military honors immediately following the church service at Pine Rest Memorial Park in Foley, Ala.
In lieu of flowers, the Day family request memorial donations be made to “The Wounded Warriors Project,” www.woundedwarrior.org
Arrangements are made by Pine Rest Funeral Home, Inc.
