Richard I Kearley Jr.

Richard Kearley, Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 30, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. R.I Kearley, Sr and sister, Anne Kearley Tipler. Immediate family survivors are his loving wife, Clarice, of sixty-four years and sons, Rick (wife Donna) and Joe. Reared in a caring and highly motivated family in Andalusia, Alabama, Richard at an early age developed many life-long interests. One was his “forever” interest in music due to the influence of his musician mother. He loved all kinds from country to Broadway musicals to classical. Chopin was his favorite composer. Several times he served on church pipe organ committees. His veterinarian father taught him the value of life in his love of animals plus the importance of being honest in all relationships. When World War II broke out, Richard attended Georgia Military Academy and upon graduation joined the Navy. Ultimately he was selected for the Navy V-12 program. Given the choice of remaining for officer training, Richard instead chose to pursue further education offered by the V-12 at Auburn University from which he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Later graduate work was done at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. An exciting offer came to him from WSM-TV in Nashville. They were in the early pioneering days of TV development and offered him the opportunity as an engineer to be on the ground floor. At the same time and as a Registered Professional Engineer, Richard established with others from Dothan, Alabama, WTVY television station. He was involved with WTVY for over twenty years as a consultant and director and was responsible for securing the CBS network for them. He was also instrumental in establishing several FM radio stations. Furthering his engineering interests led Richard to accept a position in research and development with Texas Instruments in Dallas because of their work in the developing space program. One of the highlights of his career at TI was the significant part he played in the development of the Mercury space capsule Alan Shepard flew in our nation’s first sub-orbital flight into space. Today this ship is exhibited in the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Richard added to his professional career by graduating from Southern Methodist University with a Master’s of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. A firm believer in education led him and Clarice to establish an engineering scholarship at Auburn University. Both also loved to travel and did so extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and China. Rounding out his own interests, he created the establishment of his own company, The ABE Corporation. He also belonged to various professional and social organizations; the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), Rotary International, Dallas Knife and Fork Club, Antique Radio Club, Pi Kappa Alpha, Dallas Symphony and the Dallas Organ Society (local and national). Richard loved the Lord and also served as a deacon at First Baptist Dallas. However, he always believed the crowning achievement and what God wanted him to do was helping to establish Christian radio (education) KCBI-FM (90.9). He was approached by Dr. Leo Edelman, president of what was then Criswell Bible Institute (now Criswell College) for help. Encouraged and greatly aided by other Christian leaders, particularly Dr. Paige Patterson, now president of Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth, made the dream possible. Richard worked many hours helping obtain FCC approval, engineering, marketing and other means to secure KCBI-FM. He earnestly believed “to God be the glory.” “Well done, good faithful servant” and beloved husband and father until we meet again. A private family memorial service will be held. To honor Richard’s memory, if desired, memorials may be made to KCBI-FM (90.9) or the charity of your choice. The family is also most grateful for the love, support and many prayers of those who knew Richard. They would appreciate any gifts of food to be made to a deserving organization of an individual’s choice rather than to them. We thank you.