Richard graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Management Information Systems.

He began working at the K-25 computing center as a computer programmer in 1968 under Union Carbide Corp. He retired in 2011 having provided 40+ years of Computing and Telecommunications support and service to Y-12, ORNL, and K-25. He held a variety of technical and managerial positions at all three sites, including Computing and Telecommunications site manager at both the K-25 and Y-12 sites.

In 1992 and 1993 he reported to the President of Martin Marietta Energy Systems in a 2 year special assignment as Ethics Director for the K-25, Y-12, ORNL, Paducah, and Portsmouth sites. Served as Chairman of the Energy Systems United Way Campaign in 1987, and Chairman of the Energy Systems Savings Bond Campaign in 1989.