Born in Mobile, AL, Richard graduated from Murphy HS in Mobile, AL, in 1962, where he loved sports, but also electronics and radio and used to help fix neighbors’ TVs by testing and repairing their vacuum tubes.
He became a clinical audiology technician. He wanted to use his understanding of electronics to model the ear as an electrical circuit, so he could test a baby’s hearing right after birth, rather than months later when the baby was found unable to talk. That was back in the days when rubella was prevalent in the many mothers during pregnancy, and too many babies were born deaf and didn’t get early treatment.
He later attended Auburn University. And began to love with “the loveliest village on the Plains.” He graduated in 1974 with a master’s level EE degree.
When at Auburn University, he had access to their Digital Equipment computers (affectionately known as DEC) which he used to start his master’s program. He soon decided he needed to eat, and got a job offer from DEC in 1975 in computer field service. He always enjoyed challenges and fixing electronics.
It’s because of DEC that he met his to-be bride, Beth Geiger. When more junior engineers needed assistance, they called him. He was sent to fix the DEC computer that she was managing while attending college in Carrollton, GA.
Richard married Beth in 1982 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. After Beth graduated, she went to work for DEC, also. And two years later they moved to DEC’s Colorado Springs location with his son, Glenn.
Their corporate careers moved them to several locations including Stockton CA, where they learned to sail on the San Francisco Bay and learned to dance. Through sailing relationships, they enjoyed a “once-in-a-lifetime” adventure to crew on a friend’s boat from Hawaii to Washington state, 26 days at sea, no cell phones, no work distractions, just water, winds and yes, some waves. What an awesome experience it was.
When Beth changed companies to SAP, they moved “home” to Stockbridge, GA. After a few years, Richard also went to work for SAP. They bought their “retirement” home, a 61’ Irwin Ketch sailboat and renamed her “Grace”. After selling their home near Atlanta, they lived on for two and a half years in LA (Lower Alabama) on “Grace.” After a significant health issue for Richard, they because “Landludders” once again and moved to Daphne, AL where they started attending Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church regularly.
After his retirement from SAP in 2013, Richard joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary because he had a desire to serve country and he loved the water. He obtained the rank of Division Commander and spent countless hours helping get their new computer system functioning properly. That year, he also joined the Daphne-Spanish Fort Kiwanis Club, because he wanted to read to kids. Richard served as Club President in 2016-2017 and served as Club Secretary from 2014-2022. He started the Club’s “Terrific Kids” program to honor leadership in Elementary schoolers.
True to his character of service, he became an elder at Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church in 2011-2013 and was currently serving from 2019-2022. He was a very active volunteer serving on the session, teaching kids at VBS, singing in the choir, and tirelessly working in the office.
His hobbies and interests were many and varied, golf, camping, skiing the Rockies, sailing many beautiful locations, dancing with his wife, teaching seniors about computers and smart phones and being safe on the Internet, doing on-the-water missions with the Coast Guard, and helping anyone, anywhere who asked.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Oscar Oliver Geiger, Jr. and Bessie Boney Geiger; his son, Richard Glenn Geiger, Jr.; his brother, James Oscar Geiger; and his beloved fur babies, Keystone, and Beau.
He is survived by his loving wife of forty years, Beth Farrow Geiger; siblings, Priscilla Geiger Watson, Judith Geiger Long, and Jacque Geiger Baergan. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Andrew Roland Geiger and Sara Beth Lynn Geiger and his labradoodle, Aubie Dog.
A Celebration of Richard’s Life will held on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at 4:30pm at Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow immediately in the Church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church, 6620 Spanish Ft. Blvd, Spanish Fort, AL 36527 or The Daphne-Spanish Fort Kiwanis Foundation, P. O. Box 100, Daphne, AL 36526.
Expressions of condolence may be offered at hughesfh.com. Arrangements are by Hughes Funeral Home & Crematory, 26209 Pollard Rd in Daphne, AL.
Richard was a vital part of Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church. He served on several different Teams, ssang in the choir played handbells, participated in Vacation Bible Schools, and gave help to any one who asked or if Richard thought they needed assistance. Richard was a dear friend and was loved by everyone who knew him; . He was a devoted husband to Beth, a proactive Grandparent to his grandchildren, and a truly devout Christian. He will be greatly missed but always remembered.
I loved Brother and Elder, SFPC to prayer to Heaven to God A+ Plan … Awaited to Family and Friends. Amen and Beloved to Richard, Angel to Sing and Smiles!
Beth, Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Richard was one in a million and will be missed until we meet again. Rest in heavenly peace 🙏
Love from the whole family to yours,
Richard was a great man. He was generous and kind. He took care of the people around him and always went above and behind. He is loved and will be missed. There a not enough words to express how much he did for others.
My brother Richard was there when I needed him- whether it was help with trigonometry homework in high school or help with homesickness in college – he was there. He taught me to love education and to believe I could achieve. I will remember how strong he was- he could lift me up and spin me around when I was well into adulthood. He loved my children and treated them with such warmth even though geographical distance kept us apart for many years. I will miss him greatly.
I met Richard in Colorado thru my brother-in-law whom he worked with. Richard was very nice and we often skied together while he was in Colorado. We sometimes did Master’s ski races together. We skied with his son and Beth as well as my sister and brother-in-law. I missed our interactions after he moved to California and later to Alabama. We were the same age and it is a tragedy he is gone and I will miss him.
I had the privilege of working with Richard for many years. He was our go to guy for all things SAP. We became work friends and often hung out together outside of work. Always professional and diligent he was admired by all who knew him
Beth, my heart is sad for you. I know you will miss Richard every minute of every day. I enjoyed working with you and Richard so much in Kiwanis I always admired what a close couple you and Richard were. Enjoy all of the wonderful memories that you two have made. I pray that God will give you strength and peace.
Our loss is Heaven’s gain. Richard and Beth were a huge help to the Kiwanis Jean Dean Reading is Fundamental (RIF) program…not only as readers but also helping to raise money for the books. Richard didn’t just talk the talk he walked the walk. Beth, you and your family have my sincere prayers for God’s comfort in this difficult time.
Richard was my 1st contact for the Kiwanis club he was so sweet and invited me to a meeting. I meet him and his wife Beth and Feel Very lucky to call them my friends. Richard was a walking example of what it means to be a christian and a Kiwanian I hope I can be like you when I grow Up. See you again my brother until them I will keep an eye on Beth