Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

The Pinecone | September 2023 • 3 • New Resident Bios written by resident, Peggy Reynolds Gatlin Get to know Kirby Pines' A lifetime Memphian Ralph McDaniel recently moved to Kirby Pines from the Fox Meadows area of Memphis. After earning his electrician certification at Southwest Tennessee Community College, Ralph worked at Kellogg Company for over 35 years. A veteran, Ralph served in the U.S. Army. As a Specialist 4th Class, he was assigned to the Communications Department in Germany. Ralph's interests include playing cards, TV sports (especially the Memphis Grizzlies' basketball and the Kansas City Chiefs' football). His travels include Germany, Paris, France and various U.S. cities. His favorite destination was Washington, D.C. where he visited the Capitol and other historic sites. Ralph is proud of his recognition as a rifle sharp shooter. He has been a collector of coins and vinyl records. To stay active Ralph is a daily walker and enjoying exploring his new home at Kirby Pines. We hope Ralph finds moving to Kirby Pines was a good decision and that he makes friends quickly to play cards with and to cheer on his favorite teams. Make sure you give Ralph a warm Kirby Pines welcome and make him feel at home! Ralph McDaniel Carolyn Hladky Moving to Kirby Pines was a bit of a coming home for Roger and Carolyn Hladky. Both originally from Tennessee, they met working in the summer at Camp Shiloh and were married six months later and moved to New Jersey. Married for 61 years, they shared a devotion to family, faith, teaching and mentoring teens. Sadly, Roger passed away shortly after moving to Kirby. Carolyn attended Harding University and taught grade school for 32 years. Roger was a career educator and spent most of his 36-year career as a middle school principal. The gymnasium where Roger worked was named for him, as was a scholarship. Always active with teens, they were leaders in their church teen ministry and Roger loved coaching girls’ basketball. Through the years they developed a following of “all their children”. Their only daughter Holly lives locally. Madison and Savannah are beloved granddaughters. Annual trips to Gatlinburg are a favorite family tradition. Carolyn has been on the go since day one. You can find her singing in the choir, reading to residents in rehab or volunteering in the Blossom Shop. If Carolyn is not out and about on campus, she is likely baking or reading at home. If you haven't met this wonderful addition to our community, make sure to say hello when you see her! NEW RESIDENTS