Richard "Dick" Alan Hahn

Richard “Dick” Alan Hahn, a devoted brother, husband, father, grandfather, educator, coach, mentor, and friend to so many, passed away at home in Charlotte, North Carolina, on November 6, 2026. He was born on September 16, 1936, in East Chicago, Indiana.

Dick lived a life defined by service, leadership, education, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. He had a gift for connecting with people and inspiring those around him with his wisdom and stories.

Dick earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana State University and his master's degree from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. His passion for education led him to serve as a professor at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Florida State University, and Southern Polytechnic State University. He also shared his passion for communication and competition as a debate coach at Florida State University and Northwestern University.

After a successful 21-year career with Cummins Engine Company, Dick retired and embarked on another chapter of his life as an independent motivational public speaker, sharing his experiences, wisdom, and enthusiasm with audiences everywhere.

Giving back to his community was never just something Dick did; it was simply who he was. He devoted countless hours to organizations and causes he believed in. The three he spent the most time with were the Jaycees, Metro North Youth Soccer and most currently My Vision for Refugees.

His involvement with the Jaycees spanned more than 10 years, during which he held numerous leadership positions, including President of the Indiana Jaycees and National Vice President. He believed in developing leaders, serving communities, and encouraging others to reach their potential.

Dick played a major role in securing the land for Georgia's first soccer complex in Cobb County, The Metro North Youth Soccer Association in Atlanta, which grew to serve more than 1,000 players, leaving a lasting legacy for generations of young athletes and families.

One of Dick's greatest passions was soccer. For more than 40 years, he coached players ranging from children under six years old to the college level. He helped establish the soccer program at Southern Polytechnic State University and was named Georgia Youth Soccer Coach of the Year in 1990. He also served as a soccer referee for more than 20 years.

Dick was a long-time board member for My Vision for Refugees, an orphanage in Guinea. He was a tireless and enthusiastic force, with great ideas, passion and a gift for creative expression to the organization. My Vision for Refugees became an integral part of Dick’s life and he helped the organization become what it is today.

Beyond his many professional and community accomplishments, Dick had a personality that was truly one of a kind. He was a published author (The Rats), an exceptional storyteller, and, perhaps most unexpectedly, a talented kazoo player! He had a joke for just about any occasion and a story for every situation.

But what Dick enjoyed most was a good conversation. He loved sharing his wisdom, telling stories, making people laugh, and offering a positive perspective on life's challenges. His humor, infectious optimism, and ability to turn everyday moments into meaningful lessons made him someone people naturally gravitated toward. He never seemed to meet a stranger and had a special way of leaving people smiling long after a conversation ended.

Above all, Dick's greatest legacy will not be measured by the titles he held, the organizations he served, or the teams he coached. It will be measured by the countless lives he touched, the people he encouraged, and the friendships he built along the way.

His greatest joy, however, was his family, especially his four grandchildren, Bryson, Holden, Clayton, and Ellison. Known as “Pa”, he cherished his relationship with each of them and took great pride in watching them grow. The special bond they shared brought him tremendous happiness, and they will carry his love and memories with them always.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Carol Hahn; his children, Heather Hahn and Ryan Hahn and his wife, Beth Hahn; his cherished grandchildren, Bryson Hahn, Holden Hahn, Clayton Hahn, and Ellison Hahn; and his sisters, Cheryl Humphrey Hahn, Carol Wood, and Brenda Greene.

His family takes comfort in knowing that his lessons, laughter, stories, and the countless lives he influenced will continue to live on. The world is a little less bright without him, but so much richer because he was here.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Hahn Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of Dick Hahn at Indiana State University. Donations may be sent to The ISU Foundation, 30 N. 5th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47809.

A Celebration of Dick's Life will be held on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 1:30 pm at Grace Presbyterian Church, located at 2955 SC-160 in Fort Mill, SC 29708.

A continuation of the celebration of Dick's life will be at Ryan’s house.

In true Dick Hahn fashion, may we remember him with a smile, a good story, a little laughter, and a reminder to make the most of every conversation and every opportunity to make someone's life a little better.