AUSTIN-Richard (Rick) Dale Relyea, age 75, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2023. He was born on February 7, 1947 in Waco, Texas to Richard R. Relyea and Frances Irene Relyea.

Rick graduated from Waco High School and continued his education at the University of Texas where he received a full trumpet scholarship. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1970 and an MBA in 1983.

After earning his B.S.M.E., Rick worked for ten years in the oil and oil drilling support industries, where he had the opportunity to live in many parts of the world (Africa, Asia, South America and Canada). This is where he authored and was awarded his first patent for Blow-Out Preventer Controls. He also toured and lectured on oilfield tools and products in China.

Rick was a true entrepreneur. After earning his MBA, he started a company and earned a patent for "virtual" reality in motivational exercise. He also consulted with companies in bankruptcy and turnarounds.

In 1987, he started EduCare Community Living Corporation of America, a business primarily serving people with mental disabilities and foster children. After he sold EduCare, Rick worked as an investor in start-up companies. He had a heart for community service and was active in supporting various non-profits including Mission Possible and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

In 2008, Rick was honored as a recipient of the Mechanical Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni at UT's Mechanical Engineering Department. In addition, he was a dedicated member of the University of Texas Longhorn Alumni Band.

Rick loved spending time with his friends playing golf and, of course, faithfully supported the Longhorn football team.

As much as Rick loved his family, work, and mission, he truly loved spending quiet time with his Lord and Savior and sharing Biblical truth with others. He enjoyed mentoring young men in business and loved sharing his faith in Christ even more.

Rick was preceded in death by his father, Richard R. Relyea; mother, Frances Irene Relyea; brother, Charles Relyea; and sister-in-law, Larnell Relyea.

Rick is survived by his wife, Miriam and children Elesha Kinn and husband David, Courtney Dudley, M.D. and husband Guy, and Emelyn Relyea as well as his sister, Robin Boyce and her husband Mark. He is also survived by his four beautiful granddaughters as well as several nephews and nieces.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Ascension Seton Hospital Austin for their care and compassion during his stay.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Ronald McDonald house charities of central Texas.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Austin Oaks Church at 4220 Monterey Oaks Blvd. on Saturday, January 28 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, 1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd, Austin, TX 78723.

For additional obituary information, visit www.harrellfuneralhomes.com.