Randal Linn Richey

FORT WORTH — Randal Linn Richey, 62 years of age, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 2, 2016, surrounded by his family, at their home in Arlington.
Memorial service: Randal’s memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 16, 2016, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1200 West Green Oaks, Arlington. Interment: His body will be laid to rest at 3 p.m. Friday, July 15, 2016, in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, with military honors.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, if desired, feel free to donate to the Trinity United Methodist Church iPad ministry.
Randal attended the Air Force Academy, graduating in 1976. He received a bachelor’s degree in astronautical engineering, and then went on to complete his master’s degree in astronautical engineering. He served in the United States Air Force for 20 years, and retired reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel. During his final tour, he served as the director for engineering for OD-4 in Sunnyvale, Calif.. During his service, Randal received several awards and commendations, including the Theodore von Karman Award, the highest honor in the field of science and engineering. He received this award for “bringing about a unique and crucial improvement of the national space defense system by brilliantly correcting a major technical deficiency and thereby contributing significantly to national security.” He was also awarded several commendations, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, as well as several other service related and unit awards.
After retiring from the military, he worked at Lockheed Martin as a software engineer for 18 years supporting national defense programs. He was grateful, that even during his chemotherapy treatments, he was allowed to continue working remotely.
Despite the glioblastoma he dealt with for three and a half years, Randal enjoyed life with family, working with computers, helping others from behind the scenes, talking with friends, and teaching the family dog, Yuki, to dance. Though being single all his life and now facing a difficult illness, this humble, yet brilliant man learned to cherish life with his family. While being helped, he helped others with his quirky humor, his tenacity, his generosity, and his trust in Jesus who Randal commonly referred to as “The Big Guy.” He was enriched by family, supportive friends, and the loving New Covenant Sunday school class of Trinity United Methodist Church in Arlington.
The family wants to extend a special thank you to Arlington Cancer Center and the Kindred at Home hospice unit for their compassionate care during Randal’s illness.
Randal was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Ruth Richey.
Survivors: Randal is survived by his two sisters and a brother-in-law, Rhonda Richey, Daena and Marty Jeane. He is also survived by his nephew, Alex Jeane; his niece, Natalie Jeane; his aunt, Denise Vincent; his uncle, Jerry Vincent; cousins, Lisa Milhoan, Kim Duhon and Linn Vincent.

BROWN, OWENS & BRUMLEY
Family Funeral Home & Crematory
425 S. Henderson, 817-335-4557