Guy Richard "Dick" Ladd, age 81, of Cary, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 5, 2016, after a brief illness while on travel to Columbia, South Carolina. A life-long North Carolinian, from his birth on June 4, 1935 in Gastonia to Guy and Louise (Cox) Ladd until his death, Dick lived an exemplary life committed to service, faith and community. He learned the importance of hard work from an early age, working side-by-side with his father at the family's seafood market in Gastonia. After proudly serving in the United States Army and graduating from Wake Forest University, Dick married Jean Hobby, his wife of 54 years who predeceased him in 2015. After a career in sales at the Textron Corporation, Cameron Brown and Hobby Supply Company, in 1984, Dick founded real estate company G.R. Ladd, Inc. where he worked until his retirement. Jean and Dick were blessed with two church homes during their marriage, Greenwood Forest Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church. They shared many interests including a love of travel which they enjoyed with their children and friends. Quick with a joke, smile and a listening ear, Dick had a wide circle of friends throughout his life. A compassionate and generous man, he sought to make a difference by supporting organizations like the American Legion and Cary Masonic Lodge that help those in need. Described by friends as a patriot, community advocate and visionary, Dick worked tirelessly with others to make Cary an outstanding city for work and raising a family. In 1964, at just 29 years old, Dick became the first President of the newly chartered Cary Rotary Club and immediately challenged members to join him on a 'Voyage of Service.' He remained an active member of the same Cary Rotary Club for 52 years until his death. Always leading by example, Dick's personal Voyage of Service included Mayor Pro Tem, Cary Town Council; member, Cary Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; co-founder and President, Cary Visual Arts; and member, Board of Trustees, YMCA of the Triangle. Dick had a special place in his heart for the men and women who serve in our country's armed forces. He was grateful that his efforts along with other Cary community leaders led to the creation of the Veterans Freedom Park Memorial. Friends and family will miss greatly Dick's jokes, laughter - and woodworking skills. Survivors include his daughter Susan Ladd Alexander and son-in-law Rob Alexander (Cary); son, Richard Ladd (Cary); grandchildren Ladd Alexander, Stone Alexander, Dominik Soto, Jakob Ladd and Virginia Ladd (Cary); sisters Barbara Broome (Beech Mountain) and Martha Spurrier (Gastonia). The family will host a visitation and celebration of Dick's life on Thursday, September 15, 2016, 5:00-7:00 p.m., MacGregor Downs Country Club. A memorial service will be held in Dick's honor on Friday, September 16, 2016, 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Cary. In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions in Dick's honor to The Rotary Foundation, YMCA of the Triangle, or the Boy Scouts of America. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home, Chapin is assisting the family.