The Lord received the undying spirit of Bro. Claude Lee Ricks on July 12, 2019, at Continuing Health Care of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. He was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend.
Claude was born September 24, 1936, in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana in the community of Himes. He was the seventh and youngest child born to the union of Howard Ricks and Cora Wafer Ricks. Three sisters and two brothers preceded him in death; Mary Ann Ricks Buchanan, Jessie Ricks Harris, Bessie Ricks Horn Giles, Alex Ricks and Howard Ricks, Jr.
He received his education at Peabody Senior High School in Alexandria, Louisiana. Claude had an unending thirst for learning and continued to do so all of his life. He was a quick study at most anything he put his mind to.
Claude married Annie Virginia Watson on June 27, 1955 in Alexandria, Louisiana. Early in their marriage they were blessed with three children; Valerie Ann, Brian Keith and Garry Lynn. Then they made their home in Fayetteville, Arkansas where they were blessed with three additional children; Claude Jr., Debbie Renee’ and Virginia Ann. His wife, Annie Virginia, and three of his children – Claude Jr., Brian Keith, and Valerie Ann preceded him in death.
While Claude was introduced to the gospel of Jesus Christ early in his life, he obeyed the gospel in Fayetteville, Arkansas under the tutorage of Brother Riley West. Claude became a theological scholar and later a minister of the gospel at Combs Street Church of Christ. He also was the minister at the Ninth and S Street Church of Christ in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and assisted with ministry at Jackson Street Church of Christ in Alexandria, Louisiana.
Claude was employed by Campbell Soup and The Standard Register Company where he retired after 38 years. While at Standard Register, he became a Planner and President of the International Graphics Communications Union’s local chapter. He was passionate about representing union workers at both the state and national levels.
Claude was a good communicator who loved all sports. One of his favorite communication aids was his CB Radio. He was known to interrupt many televisions programs, especially in the evenings, with “Breaker, breaker one nine, this is the Blind Mind”. In addition to being a “Ham Operator”, he played football in high school, played community basketball, coached intermural basketball and coached little league baseball. He was a college football fan, and a diehard Arkansas Razorback. He installed many televisions in his living room, so he could watch all of the New Years’ Day games at the same time. Later in his life he was a Cleveland Cavaliers fan. His favorite pastime was watching LeBron James play basketball and watching Serena Williams play tennis.
His memories will be cherished by his children Garry L. Ricks, Debbie R. Ricks-Douglas (Troy) of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Virginia A. Ricks of Fairlawn, Ohio; one sister Mary Mallard (Justice) of Chicago, Illinois; three grandchildren, Laquita Ricks of Akron, Ohio, Tylesta Ricks Davis (Devon) of Akron, Ohio; Tyler Ricks-Finney of Fairlawn, Ohio, eight great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be 10 AM Saturday, July 20, 2019 Combs Street Church of Christ with Bro. Steve West officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Memorial Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Beard’s Chapel.
There is no scheduled visitation.
Mr Claude Ricks was a very Good Man,and his knowledge and wisdom touched a community! May God Bless your Soul so you can Rest Peacefully! Lord have Mercy on his Soul! Love you Claude Ricks!
May God continue to bless your Family during your loss.
Dear Uncle Claude,
I love you and will miss you dearly. You were a loving and kind man,you would do anything to help family and love ones. You were always there willing and able, you not selfish, your door to help anyone was always open and for those small things and many more thank you ever so much my tears may fall today but as time goes on the smiles you put on so many people face will dry my eyes. Because you suffer no longer from the earthy pain. Rest easy my dear uncle. You are In good hands. Love you to the moon and back.
Claude we will miss you very deeply. We appreciated your love,care,your support when we really needed it.. You was always was there day and night you stayed.There will never be another Claude, Take your rest Claude we love you. But God love you more.
God bless the FAMILY OF Bro. Claude my name is Jim Spurlock I worked with Claude for 33years at Stander Register.
Uncle Claude, you were important part of our family. You will be truly missed. God is saying well done. Your works have spoken for you. Rest easy. We love you. Lillian Nevels. (Granddaughter of Lillian Wafer)
I worked with Claude at SRC 20+ years, he was a good friend and will be missed. Condolences to the family.
My condolences to your Family Ginny. I enjoyed his cheering us on at many softball games. 💐
Mr. Claude Ricks was a good man. He was our landlord for a few years in the 1980s in Fayetteville. He and Annie became friends of ours. They were both wonderful people.
Jackie at Showcase Florist was priviledged to do the casket piece for Brother Ricks, and a matching spray. When living,my father, “Jack Hall”preached many lessons, and classes at Combs Street Church of Christ. In fact, Myself: Jackie Hall, and my husband, Tao Weiland were married at Combs St. Church of Christ, by Steve West. I feel honored to have been asked to do those 2 pieces by 2 of his daughters: Bessie,& Debbie. My entire family: Jack,Jeanie,Jackie, and Jerry Hall, attended Combs Street Church of Christ, and my Dad was the first person to escort the black children into Jefferson School in Fayetteville, when it was first integrated. God Bless the Family.
My name is Jackie Hall. I was honored to do Brother Ricks casket piece, and matching spray for his daughters, Debbie, and Bessie. Myself, my mother, Jeanie Hall, Dad, Jack Hall, and brother Jerry Hall all attended Combs St. Church of Christ many times, and my Dad, “Jack Hall”, preached many sermons, and lessons there. He also escorted the black children into Jefferson Elementary School in the early 60’s. Me, and my husband were married by Steve West at Combs st. Church of Christ. God Bless the Ricks family. I will keep you all in my prayers.