Richard Alfred Absher Jr.

Richard Alfred Absher, Jr., known to many as "Dick Absher," passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 81 years old.

Born on April 19, 1944, in Washington, D.C., Dick grew up along Alabama Avenue on 32nd Place in Southeast D.C., where he developed the toughness, loyalty, and work ethic that would define his life. A standout athlete from an early age, he attended Anacostia High School before completing a postgraduate year at Bullis School to further prepare academically and athletically for college. He earned numerous football and basketball scholarship offers and ultimately chose to focus on football at the University of Maryland so his parents and sisters could more easily attend his games - a decision that reflected both his athletic dedication and his lifelong devotion to family.

At Maryland, Dick emerged as a leader on and off the field. In 1966, he was named First Team All-ACC (Associated Press), a proud achievement in a career built on discipline and heart. That same year, he graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor's degree in Business and a minor in Journalism. He was selected in the 5th round of the 1967 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles and went on to play seven seasons in the National Football League with the Eagles, Falcons, and Saints as a starting middle linebacker. While with the New Orleans Saints, he was the starting middle linebacker when Tom Dempsey kicked his then record-setting 63-yard field goal - one of the most iconic moments in NFL history. Dick and Tom shared a close friendship, and Dick later stood in Tom Dempsey's wedding. He often spoke of how much he loved hearing his name announced in stadiums across the country - especially when it was followed by, "From the University of Maryland." Those were always special moments for him.

Beyond football, Dick proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army Reserve for eight years. After enlisting, he graduated from Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, on May 1, 1972, and attained the rank of Captain. His military service reflected the same discipline and commitment that defined his athletic career. After his playing days, Dick built another successful career as a home builder throughout Maryland. He constructed countless homes for families, taking great pride in his craftsmanship and attention to detail. He believed that anything worth building should be built to last - a philosophy that extended beyond construction and into the life he lived. Much like the homes he built, his legacy was designed to stand the test of time.

Above all else, Dick was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Katherine Jean Absher (née Hessman), and a devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by his children: Richard Adam Absher; Casey Alexandra Jones (Scott); Kimberly Michelle Absher; and Jack Jason Pruitt. He instilled in his children the importance of staying a few steps ahead, maintaining faith in themselves and in God, and facing life's challenges with strength, resilience, and conviction. He was a proud grandfather to Aaron Paul Absher; Denny Scott Jones; Brady Franklin Jones; Leni Jean Gebicke; and Jack Wellington Pruitt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Alfred Absher, Sr. and Virginia Mae (Hulvey) Absher, as well as his sister, Dixie Cook (Lee), and most recently his sister, Jacqueline Dare (William).

Dick was the second oldest of eight children and is survived by his sisters Sherry Ginnett (Robert), Christine Oursler (Marvin), Patti Prohaska (Laddie), Virginia Callahan (Bob), and Jeanie Absher. Family was the cornerstone of his life, and he remained closely connected to his large and loving family throughout his years.

To his children, he was more than a former athlete, soldier, or builder - he was a teacher, mentor, and steady example of strength and faith. He prepared his family to meet life head-on with courage and integrity. He was known for the sayings he repeated often: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going," "It won't be as long as it has been," "This isn't my first rodeo," and "There's no place I'd rather be than right here with you." Those words continue to guide his family today.

Dick also quietly supported causes close to his heart, including annual donations to the Wounded Warrior Project.

A viewing will be held at Lee Funeral Home in Owings, Maryland, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at Huntingtown United Methodist Church in Huntingtown, Maryland, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM, followed by burial at Southern Memorial Gardens. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project. https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/

His legacy endures in the homes he built, the family he raised, and the unshakable faith, strength, and character he instilled in all who had the privilege to know and love him.