HURST, TEXAS — Allen Richey, former CEO of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), passed away early Wednesday morning, April 21.
Richey was born in 1923 and grew up in East Texas. He graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in journalism after fulfilling his military obligation as a member of the U.S. Navy during World War II.
He began his association career as editor of the 11-member Independent Garagemen’s Association (IGA) of Texas’ monthly magazine. As his responsibilities with IGA grew, he worked to provide training and education to association members. His vision for offering training and education to the automotive repair and service industry was realized in the formation of the Automotive Management Institute (AMI).
As a result of his lifelong devotion and commitment to the industry, Richey was instrumental in the successful merger of two renowned automotive associations, the Automotive Service Council and the Independent Automotive Service Association, to form what is now ASA. He served as the executive director of the Independent Garagemen’s Association, the Independent Automotive Service Association and, until his retirement in 1989, the CEO of ASA.
Richey received the Distinguished Service Citation from the Automotive Hall of Fame in 1990. The citation recognizes an individual who has significantly improved the industry or their respective organization.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jean; son, Michael; and daughter-in-law, Georgia.
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