He is survived by his wife, Belinda Richey; daughter, Rachel Richey; grandson, Blake Owen Clakley all of Austin, Texas; daughter, Michelle Austin of Nicholsville, Kentucky; grandson, Austin White of Huntsville, Texas;and granddaughter, Lindsay McCuddy of Lorena, Texas.
David had many adventures throughout his life. He struck out on his own at age 14, living first with a friend and then at the Waco YMCA while he completed high school. He joined the U.S. Navy at 18 and traveled the world on “Uncle Sam’s Dime” spending time in Greece, Italy, Hong Kong, the Philippines and many other exotic ports when not working as an aircraft mechanic on the USS America during the Vietnam War.
When his tour was over, he settled temporarily in San Antonio and bought his first motorcycle. He wore his navy aircraft flight deck helmet with a dayglo bat earning him the name Batman.
David spent the next few years riding around the U.S. partying, enjoying life and meeting life-long friends.
He graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in Guidance Counseling and Psychology. After working as a group home director for adult men with disabilities, he tried his hand at apartment management, where he achieved many certifications and awards. He became an AutoCAD draftsman for many years and finally found his calling in his retirement as a driving instructor both for motorcycle riders and teen and adult automobile drivers.
David loved all things that moved – planes, trains, automobiles and especially motorcycles. He loved long road trips and researched all the sites along the way. He was a wonderful tour guide with special attention to historical landmarks and battle fields.
If you were lucky enough to call him a friend, whether you knew him as David, Dave, or Batman, then you likely remember his intelligence, his infinite curiosity, and you likely came away with more fun facts than you knew what to do with.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 in The Memorial Chapel of Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, Texas beginning at 2:00 p.m. followed by a catered reception from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
