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Ricky passed away on January 15, 2007. Funeral services were held in at the First Baptist Church in Grenada on Thursday, January 18th. Many members of the class are sending memorials In Ricky's honor to the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.
For those of you who did not have the opportunity to attend Rickey’s funeral yesterday, I would just like to tell you that it was a beautiful service, a celebration of the life of a great man. His wife, Terry, said it all when she referred to Rickey as a gentle giant. I never heard Rickey ever say an unkind word about anyone. He was truly the nicest, kindest, most gentle man that I’ve ever known. I will greatly miss him. - Joe Fondren
Well chosen words, Joe. I can’t imagine that anyone who knew Rickey would feel any differently. He was rare. Our loss. Gerry Gafford
Rickey was a very kind and gentle person. He had a big heart and a very positive attitude and a passion for life. Tommy and Joe, I am glad you were able to attend the funeral and thank you for sharing your comments with us. Rickey was special and his memory will live on with each of us who knew him. - Cindy Stapleton
I never saw Ricky without a smile. It was always a genuine smile that reached his eyes with a twinkle. I remember when talking to him, he would often reach out and lightly touch my arm or shoulder making me feel like I was the center of his attention even in the most crowded room. The story that I think best describes Ricky came from his mom to my mom. Sammie asked my mom to ask me if Ricky was always "good and perfect" even around his peers. Of course I told my mom yes and I didn't even have to fudge the truth. I'm sorry all my memories of Ricky are of the past and that I didn't know him better as an adult but I know just as Joe said, he was still kind and nice person. Dale Bratton Bramlett
I'm so glad you attended the funeral. We all know that he was much to young to leave us; I can't imagine how it would feel to lose someone so soon. He was a wonderful person and we are very blessed to have been able to spend some time with him at the 35th reunion. Thanks Joe for those most kind and endearing words for our fellow classmate and friend. - Pam Churchill
I would like to echo the kind words Joe has expressed about Rickey’s service. For those of you who could not be there, you missed an opportunity for the Lord to touch your heart in memory and tribute to Rickey. Make no mistake about it, this was a celebration of the life of an unselfish man who lived for his family and his Lord. As Paula and I walked into the church we found the downstairs to be completely full. We made our way up to the balcony that filled to capacity by the beginning of the service. It was obvious Rickey had truly made the same positive impression on the community of Grenada as he always did us and everyone he came in contact with. His pastor paid Rickey the greatest complement any man could ever hope for, he compared his work and life on earth to that of Jesus Christ. I hope just one person on this earth can say that about me when I die. - Tommy Brown
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Rickey Jones