March 26,1937 – October 13, 2025
Richard Alexander Shrader (aka Dick or Rich) was born March 26,1937 in Danville KY and grew up in Columbia, KY. The son of Ashton Boyd and Thelma Musetta Shrader, he had two sisters, Carol S. Fields (Edward Fields, deceased) and Betsy S. Randolph married to Steve Randolph. At age 11, Rich began playing tennis and played the game he loved until age 87.
At age 15, Dick became ill with Polio (before the vaccine became available) leaving him with partial paralysis of his throat. The paralysis worsened over the years and led directly to his death from aspiration pneumonia.
His college education included Centre College, Danville, KY (BA in History) and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, (MA, MACT and PHD in History). During his first week at UNC, he met and fell in love with Linda Sue Mothershed. They were married on April 1, 1961. (No Joke) They had 2 sons, Richard, and John, who with their mother survive him.
Dick’s career began as a UNC library assistant in 1973 and ended with retirement in May 2000, as Reference Archivist in the Manuscripts Department of the Southern Historical Collection. He received countless tributes from authors he had helped with research for their books. He also served as a member of the council of the Historical Society of North Carolina. In addition to his busy work/ family life, Rich served 8 years in the US Naval Reserves, including being on 24-hour alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis. (1962)
Dick was a loving husband and father and was very proud of his sons. He always saw the best in people and was very supportive to all he knew. His strongest convictions were quality of life and health. He always “planned ahead” and had a “Plan B” ready, just in case!
Having ultimately retired to the New York Hudson Valley area, Dick left his very loving family on October 13, 2025. He will be missed every day by his family and friends. Hudson Valley Hospice provided wonderful care and support to Dick and his family. Deep appreciation and affection is expressed to the Hudson Valley Hospice of Dutchess County (NY) staff during their very challenging times. The family requests that anyone willing to do so, please direct memorial gifts (in Rich’s name) to: Hudson Valley Hospice, 374 Violet Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. 845-485-2273.
Memoir (sans editing) courtesy of Sweet’s Funeral Home, Hyde Park, Dutchess County, NY.