David Randal Wightman was born in Belfast, 10 March 1925, the son of Harold Thomas Wightman and Marjorie Lindsey Wightman (née McElwee). He was educated at the London School of Economics and the University of Birmingham. He married Mary Cullen Rae, 29 August 1953, with whom he had one son and one daughter.

He was a Lecturer in International Economic History, 1947-63, Reader in International Economic History, 1963-72, and Professor of International Economic Organization, 1972-83, at the University of Birmingham. He was also Director of the School of International Studies at the University of Birmingham, 1974-83.

He died in 1993.