Obituary of Richard Henry Judy

Richard H. Judy, 79, former Director of Miami International Airport, passed away on Monday, June 20, 2011 in Cedar Key, Florida. Mr. Judy, born in Pennsylvania, was a longtime resident of Miami. He graduated from the University of Miami in 1953, served in the United States Naval Reserves, and attended the University Of Miami School Of Law. Mr. Judy had a long career of public service. He was Comptroller for the Dade County Port Authority and Comptroller to the State of Florida Department of Transportation before becoming the Deputy Director, then Director of the Dade County Aviation Department where he served for 22 years. Anyone who knew Mr. Judy knows that he loved his work at the airport so much that he never considered it a job but a privilege given to him by the citizens of Dade County. He and his team were responsible for much of the growth and development that made the Miami International Airport into the internationally acclaimed facility that it is today. He retired in 1989 and became a consultant in the airline industry. He was hired as Consultant to the CEO of the new Hong Kong Airport in 1994 where he once again was able to do his favorite thing - help build a state of the art airport facility. During his career, Mr. Judy served on many boards and committees. He was Chairman Elect of the Airport Operators Council International, a member of the Anthony Commission on Public Finance, a Trustee of Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, a Trustee of the Beacon Council, and Chairman of the Public Facilities Council, National Academy of Sciences, to name a few. Mr. Judy also received numerous awards such as the Wright Memorial Award, Bill Pallot Award, and the Public Official of the Year award. Mr. Judy is survived by his loving wife, Sonya R. Judy, his two daughters, Dace J. Ashcraft and Jolie J. Davis, his sister Sarah (Sally) Bass, five grandchildren, Alexandra, Caroline, Carter, Lauren and Sarah, a niece and many nephews. Mr. Judy loved his family and friends, and was dedicated to a life of public service. He was a devoted fan of the Hurricanes and the Dolphins, and during his prime loved to play any competitive sport. But, near the top of all these things was his love of building airports. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 25, at the Cedar Key United Methodist Church in Cedar Key, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local FFA Chapter in Cedar Key. Mr. Judy strongly believed in organizations that helped give young people the tools and opportunity to succeed in education and life. Please contact Drummond Community Bank at 352-543-5450 for donations. Arrangements are under the care of Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 1301 N. Young Blvd., Chiefland, FL 32626, 352-493-0050. On line condolences may be sent through our website at www.hiers-baxley.com.