Richard Paul Mayhew

On August 14, 2024, the world lost a remarkable man when Rick Mayhew passed away at age 60 in St. Joe Beach, Florida. A devoted husband, beloved son and brother, loyal friend, and admired professional. Rick was a man of great integrity, kindness, generosity, and sense of humor.

Rick was born on August 2, 1964 in Lowell, Massachusetts, and spent his early years living across the U.S. and abroad. These moves shaped his love for geography, planting the seeds for what would become a lifelong passion for exploration.

Rick graduated in 1983 from Alexander M. Patch American High School on Patch Barracks in Vaihingen, West Germany. He returned to Texas and worked on a cattle ranch. Rick went on to earn a degree in Cartography with a minor in Urban Planning from Texas State University in 1989. This career path was a natural fit for someone who viewed the world with both analytical precision and creative wonder.

Rick began his professional journey at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) before dedicating the majority of his 31-year career to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), working at FAA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. and the NOAA/FAA campus in Silver Spring, Maryland. As a Cartographer and Aeronautical Data Specialist, Rick played a critical role in the safety of U.S. airspace. He was known for producing essential navigational maps, charts, publications, and databases. His co-workers frequently referred to him as a "superstar," and one supervisor noted, "The airspace of the United States was always more secure and accurate when Rick was involved."

Rick was an avid hiker, and he loved hiking the C&O Canal and many other trails. In December 2020, Rick retired from federal service, and he set out to hike the Appalachian Trail-a 2,198-mile journey stretching from Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine. With grit and unwavering determination, Rick completed every mile, which is a powerful reflection of who he was: committed, curious, and courageous. Beneath his adventurous spirit was a deep sensitivity-a tender heart that felt the world's beauty and fragility in equal measure.

Rick had a unique gift for connection. He never met a stranger and carried himself with warmth, humility, and humor. His kindness was quiet yet unshakeable, often shown in simple gestures and thoughtful words. Whether in a jovial conversation or quietly caring for one of his many beloved cats through the years-Curly, Shemp, Luke, Bella, BumbleBee, and Loki-Rick brought light and love into every space he entered. Rick and Debbie fostered several children, and Rick maintained contact and mentored Brady R. throughout the years.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of over 24 years, Deborah Mae (Hodgson) Mayhew, who has loved him since age 15. He also leaves behind his parents, Robert C. and Maria C. "Tina" (Bestagno) Mayhew, his brother, Robert J. Mayhew, and many extended family members, including Aunt Judith (Mayhew) Craig and Uncle George Mayhew

And Now Abideth, Faith, Hope, and Charity, These Three; But the Greatest Of These Is Charity

1 Corinthians 13:13