Judy McSpadden: Meet Richard McSpadden wife

Judy McSpadden is the widow of late flight commander Richard McSpadden.

Judy and Richard are blessed with a son and a daughter.

About Richard McSpadden

Richard G. McSpadden Jr. was an accomplished pilot, aviation instructor, and former commander of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

Born in Panama City, Florida, Richard began flying aircrafts as a teenager, having been inspired by his father who was a pilot. His family owned a Piper Super Cub at the time and his father practically taught him how to fly.

Richard obtained a degree in economics from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Troy University. Afterwards, he attended the U.S. Air Force Air War College.

Richard served in the United States Air Force for two decades and rose to become a commander and flight leader of its Thunderbirds demonstration team.

In 2020, he became the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Air Safety Institute (ASI) senior vice-president, after serving as its executive director.

He was also chairman of the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee, and “produced aviation safety material for ASI’s YouTube channel and website.”

Richard died in a fatal air crash on October 1, 2023, at the age of 63.