Richard “Rick” Lee Honeycutt, age 76, of Flat Rock, North Carolina, passed peacefully at home to Heaven on Monday, March 20, 2023, with his loving family at his side.
A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, Rick graduated from Enloe High School in Raleigh and Wake Forest University. He received his master’s degree from North Carolina State University. Rick was a city/county manager for over 30 years where he proudly served the citizens of the cities of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Gibsonville, North Carolina and in Caswell County, Alamance County, Macon County, Cherokee County and Haywood County.
Throughout his life, Rick was a faithful member of several churches, serving in the chancel choir, Sunday school, and mission teams. He also loved to spend time outdoors playing tennis, hiking, and taking pictures.
Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 46 years, Carol Honeycutt; one son, David Honeycutt and his wife, Rhonda of Whispering Pines; one daughter, Kriss Kirkindoll and her husband, Don of Clyde; three grandchildren, Nat Kirkindoll, Paige Honeycutt, and Grant Honeycutt; one brother, Graham Honeycutt of Raleigh; and one sister, Carol Smith of Fayetteville.
A celebration of Rick’s life will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Hendersonville with Rev. Christina Auch and Rev. Jonathan Schnibben officiating.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Honeycutt’s memory are asked to consider American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37839, Boone, Iowa 50037-0839 (www.redcross.org) and/or Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Avenue West, Hendersonville, North Carolina 28739.
Rick and I shared career paths together in North Carolina city and county management. When you add the love for the game of tennis, we had a lot in common. Rick was always easy to talk to and we had some good times on the courts. He will be missed by many. My condolences to Carol and his family.
I was saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. He was the first person I met when deciding to try tennis at HRC. His welcoming positive attitude and quick wit were big reasons I decided to continue an attempt to play. He and his easy smile will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
I thought Rick’s name sounded familiar but I couldn’t remember why – until Haywood Community Band rehearsal last night! We played in the clarinet section together for several years. I knew him as a great guy and dedicated musician so it is no surprise that Kriss and Nat are following in that tradition and that Don would marry into such a family! Rick and I used to compare notes often in band rehearsals – he’s the only person I’ve ever known who had the same brand of clarinet that I play!
My sincere and heart-felt condolences to family and friends.
Now, as I sing under Don’s direction and beside Kriss and Nat, I will remember Rick.
Members of the chancel choir of First church Waynesville send their love to
Don and family as they light the way for Rick into Glory!!. Hugh Burfordory
I knew Rick through tennis at HRC. We were partnered several times during mixed doubles. Rick always arrived with a smile and had a gentle kind spirit that made me happy to see him. I remember encountering him one day off the courts and we chatted a bit. I think we both had a moment of “whoa, we have an existence off the tennis courts!’ I will miss him and I’m sorry he will no longer be with us. My deep condolences to you and your family.
Our condolences to your family. We enjoyed getting to know Rick at Hendersonville Racquet Club. He was a great avid tennis player and always had such a positive outlook. We were so sorry to hear of his passing. We will miss seeing him at the club this summer. Our sympathies, Cindy and Chris Bull & his friends at the Hendersonville Racquet Club
May God fill you with his comforting spirit in these days ahead. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you, The Hunter Family
It was my privilege to have known Rick as he provided dedicated service to several of the local governments he served at. He was an excellent public servant and could always be trusted to provide the very best attention to every matter he dealt with. I wish to express my appreciation to Rick’s wife and family for sharing him with us over the years. Best thoughts and prayers to and for you all. May God’s Grace and Love be with you now and into the future. I also have had the privilege to work with Rick’s son, David, over many years, and David’s character and dedication speaks to the excellence of his family heritage. David always noted the wonderful influence that his father and mother provided in his life. I know that the knowledge that he is in the loving care of his Lord is a comfort.
So very sad to hear of Rick’s passing.We worked together in Haywood County and were colleagues when he served in other counties here in Western North Carolina. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers for Carol and the rest of the family during this time of grief and heartache. One of my fondest memories with Rick was while we were eating lunch at Arby’s in Waynesville one day and we paused to pray before eating. Afterward a lady came over and asked if we were Ministers since she noticed we prayed before the meal. May God give you comfort and peace knowing Rick is now with our Lord and Savior in Heaven.
Jack and Lydia Horton