Richard Bruce Holcomb

Richard Bruce Holcomb passed peacefully into eternal life on Friday, April 11, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Richard was born to Gayle and Miriam (Ridgeway) Holcomb on December 28, 1937, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He grew up in Oklahoma City, and he was in the first graduating class of Northwest Classen High School in 1956. He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of Oklahoma. He was recruited into the CIA after graduation, where he was credited by the United States Army for his service with the CIA in 1960-1962. He continued his education and graduated from The George Washington University School of Law with his Juris Doctor degree

While he was in Washington DC, he worked for President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Office of Economic Opportunity. In the late 1960s, he was on the staff of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (Kerner Commission) where he worked with Oklahoma’s US Senator Fred Harris. He was one of the first employees of National Public Radio in the 1970s. He managed the Corporation for Public Broadcasting stations in Atlanta, GA and Denver, CO in the late 1980s to early 1990s. In the mid-1990s, he worked as an executive for Time-Warner Cable. Later in the 1990s Richard moved on to Austin, TX, where he spent some time consulting with non-profits and broadcasting clients.

His work gave him the opportunity to live in many wonderful places—Oklahoma City, Washington DC, Atlanta, Denver, and Austin. In 2013, Richard moved to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, to focus on his spiritual and creative talents. After his time in San Miguel, Richard eventually settled down in Santa Fe, NM, where he enjoyed his retirement. Wherever Richard made a home, he always had a feline companion to keep him company.

Known for his knowledge in public radio and broadcasting, Richard had great passion for politics and shared this love with his colleagues, friends, and family. He created an extensive email list where he would share articles, both political and philosophical, for comments and discussion. The emails always ended with a single word, “thoughts?”

He had a huge love for music and later discovered that he enjoyed singing, too, sharing his wonderful voice with his family and friends. Richard would have celebrated 40 years of recovery this year and always spoke highly of his Al-Anon sponsors and friends, crediting them for his long commitment to his recovery. A very spiritual person, Richard often spoke of his faith and gratitude for the blessings in his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his son Cris Briscoe, his wife Noah, and their four children, Richard’s beloved grandchildren. He is also survived by his dear cousins, Linda Ridgeway Felton and Virginia Ridgeway McCombs (Don), and other extended family members, all of whom he loved dearly. Lastly, he is also survived by his beloved tuxedo cat, Purrty, who gave him great companionship for the last few years.

The family would like to thank Richard’s friends Jim, Jamie, and Lynn for their love and unwavering support in his final days. We deeply appreciate your kindness.

A graveside service will be held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Feline and Friends of Santa Fe, NPR, or your charity of choice. Godspeed, Richard. We will miss you.