Richard Colby

Message from Butch Johnson

I'm so sorry to see that Richard has passed away... We were together in the Airforce Reserve at Maxwell and also at Delta Airlines.. He was a great guy and I thought he would live forever.. We were also Auburn Alumni.. God Bless

Message from Michael Huffman

Was greatly saddened to hear this. I have been living in the Philippines for
Several years and although out of touch I must say he was always a inspiration to me growing up. My heart felt condolences to Alice and the kids. I will miss him.

Message from The Briggs Family

Dover AFB 1969 seems like yesterday. I remember an evening call to our on-base residence from a Captain Richard Colby. He had heard that I owned a movie projector, which we did. We lent it and that was the start of a near 50- year friendship. Richard and I flew down to Atlanta, shared a motel, flipped a coin for a lower seniority number, interviewed and got hired January 5th, 1970. I won but that became immaterial when I chose Dallas for our first domicile and he stayed in Atlanta. A year later we transferred back and, along with Richard and Alice, bought a home in Stone Mountain where we raised our family, along with numerous other Delta pilots in an idyllic setting. At least that's how our daughter Mary described that time in our lives to me yesterday. Richard was always a pleasure to be around, whether it was playing tennis, golfing, fishing or barbecuing. He was definitely a guys guy; he was a high school quarterback, an F106 jock, an effective ALPA rep, a popular Captain at Delta and ultimately an effective company executive who never forgot where he came from. His stature in the company afforded him the opportunity to play golf at Augusta National. I asked him once what he got on the infamous 12th hole. I don't think he answered that but instead said playing there was not as big a deal as having his first grandchild. It's been a long ordeal, I'm sure. Peace finally be with you my friend and peace be with you Alice, Laurie, Lee and family. Our love, Laurie, Jerry, Debbie and Mary.

Message from Paul Entrekin

Richard was instrumental in my Delta hiring and was my mentor. I always enjoyed visiting his office and the perplexed looks by staff at this engineer who hadn't made an appointment. He always had time for me. We discussed Auburn football, hunting and flying. He was gracious in reviewing my book and in offering career advice whenever I asked. I know that Alice, Lee and Laurie will miss him terribly. My life is better because Richard played such an important part in it. We'll do some formation flying when I get there buddy. Until then, God bless you and those you loved. War Eagle!

Message from Dick Shutack

Richard was a great warrior, leader, pilot and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our prayers are with Alice and the entire Colby family. Dick Shutack

Message from Jim Dozier

I am pretty sure Richard passed in peace knowing the results of the Iron bowl.

Message from Cam and Donna Foster

Alice and Family,

We are both feeling sad that Richard is gone--and, at the same time, remembering his constant smile and sense of humor. He always had the greatest attitude, even through the the tough times, whether on the MEC or in the G.O. When we bought a new Thunderbird and Ford's advertising line was "Have you driven a Ford lately?", Richard never failed to ask, "How's your Lately running?"

Fly safe, ol' friend.

A candle was lit by Dan and Shelia Chocallo on December 4, 2017 11:30 AM

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We are thinking and praying for your family

Message from Dick Diller

I am sorry to learn of the passing of my friend, Richard E. He was fun to be with, and we had some good times together. I will miss him.

To Alice, Lee and Laurie, you have my sympathy.

Dick Diller
F-106 and Delta pilot

Message from Dave Smith

They didn’t come any better than Richard as a flight operations leader. Fly safe...!

Message from Randy & Lisa Compton

Alice and family, Randy and I send our condolences. Richard was such a wonderful man and we enjoyed our time with you all and the rest of the Gulf Breeze Gang. I will never forget Richard sitting with our eldest son on his lap, reading "Let's Go to The Aiport" (children's book) with an interesting airline pilot twist! Fond memories!!

A candle was lit by Roland Gaasch on December 2, 2017 3:59 PM

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Dear Alice and family,
As a classmate of Richard when we all came to Delta in 1970, I have a host of memories of our 32 years of comradeship. Richard was always good natured,and a genuine pleasure to spend time with. I will remember his professionalism and easy going manner, as well as gracious smile. Diane and I express our deepest sympathy to each of you, and will remember you in thought and prayer at this sad and difficult time. God Bless and keep you ...... Roland and Diane

Message from Mike Birdsong

My deepest sympathy to the Colby family in the loss of a greatly respected and admired man. My family will keep you in our prayers.

Message from temstm@aol.com

Rest in Peace Code House Pensacola

Message from Dave Bushy

Richard was a true gentleman, who always exhibited caring and compassion for his fellow man. He was a leader you both respected and loved. I was blessed to work for Richard and learned so much from him. He gave more to the world than he took and left us all better for having known him.

A candle was lit by Charlie & Judy Simonds on December 2, 2017 8:24 AM

Message from Tony Papandrea

Thank you Richard for the memories. You had my back more than once. As a friend, colleague and golf competetor they didn't come any better. The world was a better place with you in it. You have been and will be missed.
Tony P.

Message from Michael Hanson

Richard was responsible for getting me my job at Delta. It's given so much to me and my family, and he's the reason.

I will always remember his kind, friendly manner and especially his sense of humor and quick wit. I am so sorry for your loss.

Message from Richard Gruetter

Richard will be missed by all. I had the pleasure to work wit Richard in the Flight Training Department, and at the MEC when I was the Training Department rep.
Richard was always a joy to be around and was always fair with a high sense of honor.
Richard was really one of the Good Guys!

A candle was lit by Angie Jones on December 1, 2017 4:14 PM

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Richard was a class act and true professional. He will be missed by me and so many of his Delta family members. My thoughts and prayers to the family and particularly Alice. God Bless you Richard!

A candle was lit by Jeannie Worlock on December 1, 2017 3:35 PM

A candle was lit by Brian and Krystal Meadows on December 1, 2017 3:24 PM

Message from Charlie Benson

God Bless you Richard -- thanks again for your kindness and caring.
Pay back or pay it forward - I still owe you buddy - till we see you again.

A candle was lit by Emily McBride on December 1, 2017 12:14 PM

Message from Tree Spell

Alice & Lee, I was saddened to hear of Richard's passing. I know you all have a huge hole in your heart. Richard was such a cool guy to work for. Always had a smile on his face. A true professional and a great boss to work for. My prayers go out to you all. Sincerely, Tree

Message from Larry and Connie Lavine

We are sorry to learn of Richard's passing. We have many fond memories of times with Richard and Alice in Pensacola. He was always an interesting and pleasant man who brought a lot of joy to the table.

Message from Jim Lawrence

iT WAS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO FLY AND WORK WITH RICHARD. HIS GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR AND HIS PROFESSIONALISM WAS ALWAYS REFRESHING. HE ALWAYS GREETED ME WITH A SMILE AND I VERY MUCH ENJOYED HIS COMPANY. HE LOVED TO PULL MY CHAIN ABOUT MY BEING A MARINE AND I ALWAYS PULLED HIS ABOUT BEING A CONEHEAD. HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED.

Message from Joe Reid, Secretary, DGW

On behalf of the Delta Golden Wings (DGW), a fraternal organization of retired Delta Pilots, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the friends and family of Richard. In addition to Richard’s accomplished, well documented career with Delta, he was a loyal member of DGW in retirement. We will miss him!
On a personal note I had the privilege of flying with Richard at Delta early in my career. He was always the consummate professional that served as a great example to a young pilot. When I saw that I was flying with Richard, I knew it was going to be a great trip that I could feel proud to be a part of.

Message from Fred Gordon

I am sorry to hear of Richard's passing. My sincere sympathy to his family and close friends.

Message from Bill Meagher

I always admired Richard. He will be missed.

Message from Huey Harris

My condolences to the family. Captain Colby lead by example in his many leadership positions a Delta and the Air Line Pilots Association. I appreciate all he did for Delta and it's pilots over the years. Rest in Peace. This world lost a great pilot, great leader, great man.

Message from Bob Ooten

Alice & Lee our sincere sympathies. Richard was so good to us and fun to be around! We really enjoyed our time with all of you in Carlisle. Bob and Brenda. Will make every attempt to make the trip to SC in a few days.

Message from Mich E

My condolences to Mrs. Colby and her family. Many happy memories of your loved one be with you. But when sadness comes, may these promises from Jehovah God help you to endure. "Do not be anxious....but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7; Isaiah 25:8 NWT.

A candle was lit by Douglas Cutter on November 30, 2017 9:11 PM

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Richard was a true southern gentleman in every respect. It was an honor to have worked with and for him. Sincere condolences to the family.

Message from Donald J Allen

Sorry to hear the sad news. He was a good guy who served his country and the Delta Pilots with honor. God bless the family in these trying times. Don Allen, USAF and Delta Pilot.

Message from David Marino

Godspeed brother. All honor to your name.
In Hoc.

Message from Jerry Bartlett

Simply the best. He knew who he was and never forgot who you were.

Message from sam Belcher

My prayers are for all the Colby family in this trying time,
Sam Belcher, Sigma Chi '60

Message from Jerry Williams

Sincere condolences

Message from Dave Wall

Richard was a great friend, classmate at Auburn, and fellow Delta pilot. He will be missed by all of us who were privileged to know him. My condolences to Alice and family.

Message from Ann Beaman D’Agostino

I am so sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. He was one of the ‘good guys’. I enjoyed working with both at Delta and the Credit Union Board.
Alice, my heart goes out to you and your family.

Message from D. Allen Butcher

Richard was the best of the best. So glad I knew him. Thoughts and prayers for the family. God bless you every one.

Message from Charles Finch

Richard Colby was a genuine professional in and out of the cockpit. He was a huge friend to every pilot and made our lives better thru his leadership and decisive nature. Delta Air Lines was blessed to have him as was a gentleman and promoted customer service as well as any pilot on the system.
RIP Captain Colby.