Richard James Heyl was born August 9, 1976 in Voorhees, New Jersey to Patricia Reed Heyl Counts and Robert Heyl. Rich is also survived by his brother, Kevin, his wife Jenny, and their three daughters: Paige, Lauren, and Melanie.

At the age of 8, he moved to Kingwood, Texas from New Jersey. He was a 1994 Kingwood High School graduate. He attended Stephen F. Austin University and the Texas Chiropractic College.

He became a quadriplegic at the age of 22 when a drunk driver hit him in a car accident while sitting at a light. He finished his Bachelors Degree after the accident and received a Masters Degree of Science Management from the University of Maryland University College.

He was a constant entrepreneur buying and re-selling goods. After his accident, he re-taught himself how to paint with his mouth. He completed many commissioned paintings and sold images of his artwork online. He was also a talented writer and dabbled in writing scripts which resulted in achieving many awards and accolades.

At the time of his death, he was preparing to launch a podcast called "CHAMPIONS" about inspirational people who beat the odds. Rich maintained his great sense of humor, unbelievable optimism, and unwavering fighting spirit until the day he passed.

We love you dearly and we will forever miss you Rich.  You were the ultimate "Champion".  Love, Dad, Mom, and Kevin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to TIRR Memorial Herman: The Institute of Rehabilitation and Research. Rich spent 6 months at TIRR after his accident. This facility was instrumental in Rich's rehabilitation. All donations can be sent to the TIRR Foundation @ https://www.tirrfoundation.org in remembrance of Rich Heyl.

We will honor Rich with a "Celebration of Life" Open House on Saturday, August 24th from 2-6pm.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Martha Catholic Church in Kingwood, Texas on Monday, August 26th at 10:30am.