Ric McElyea

Ric was born in Hamlin, Texas and attended high school in Allen. Upon graduation, he moved to New York City and enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving four years. He then attended cosmetology school and moved to Austin, Texas where he launched his prestigious career in hair styling.

Ric had a unique gift for making everyone in his life feel loved, valued, and above all beautiful. He created a community around him, brought together by their devotion to "pretty" and sustained by their relationship with him. He didn't only take careful and diligent care of his client's hair; he did the same for their hearts.

Over the last decade, Ric expanded his knowledge, creating a unique, handcrafted line of hair and body products that provided a natural, nourishing alternative to the synthetic options available today.

Most recently, he spent time between Austin and Los Angeles, studying under some of the most accomplished acting coaches on the west coast, and continuing work on his musical. His passion for delivering a message to society through the craft of stage and film work saw him cast as the lead in a short film debuting at the 2016 SXSW Film Festival.

To say Ric was talented and versatile is simply an understatement. He was, at very least, a visionary. He saw the world with an extra layer of color and dimension, creating opportunity for himself and his loved ones at every turn.

Ric tirelessly pursued a world where justice and beauty would always prevail, and each of his endeavors sought to bring those about.

Ric's greatest accomplishment is his unconditional love for his family. There are no words that can describe his fierce love and protection of those he considers his own. He continues to raise both his son and his youngest sister under the warmth and safety of his generous heart, and for that they are forever grateful.

Ric had a great love for his family, immediate and extended. Ric is survived by his son Wallace and daughter-in-law Heather, his sister Gina and her husband Josh, and his brothers Robert and Rodney, his precious nephew Lane Cash, and all of his yet-to-be-born grandchildren. He also leaves behind Kyion and Darien, who he loved as though they were his own.

His mother, his father, and his dearest guide Larry, predeceased Ric.

A Celebration of Life in his honor will be held February 15th from 11 to 1PM at the Umlauf Sculpture Gardens. We ask that you bring any photos you have of him to leave with his family.