Garry Lynn Ricks' Obituary
After many years of illness from bone cancer and recent kidney failure, the Lord freed the spirit of Garry Lynn Ricks, age 61, of Fayetteville on February 10, 2021, at St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was a loving Brother, Nephew, Uncle, Cousin and Friend.
Garry was born March 29, 1959, at Rapides Community Hospital in Pineville, Louisiana. He was the third child born to the union of Claude Lee Ricks and Annie Virginia Watson Ricks. Both of his parents, one sister, and two brothers preceded him in death: Annie & Claude, Valerie Ann Ricks, Bryan Keith Ricks, and Claude Ricks, Jr.
He was raised in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and received his education at Fayetteville High School. Garry always possessed an innate passion and love for music. His parents gifted him with his first guitar, upon his request, during his early teenage years. He initially taught himself to play, and eventually perfected his skills in a short time. By his late teens and early twenties, he become a member of the local Rock Band “Miller’s Killers”. They traveled and played at local bars and nightclubs in and around Fayetteville, Detroit, MI and other towns and cities in the Midwestern Region of the country.
Garry simply “moved through his life’s journey, according to his purpose”. He was known as: non-materialist, free-spirited, deep-thinking, sensitive at heart, stubborn, aware of his weaknesses, determined, fun, difficult, and even a loner at times. He possessed strong mental strength, tenacity, and a broad knowledge and understanding of various subject matters. Even during Garry’s most challenging days with his health and hard times, he was still determined to care for himself in his own way. He deeply loved his family and guitar, who also loved him unconditionally.
His memories will be cherished by his two sisters: Virginia A. (Ginny) Ricks of Fairlawn, Ohio, Debbie R. Ricks-Douglas (Troy) of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; two Aunts, Mary Mallard of Chicago, Illinois, and Mary Watson-Johnson of Fayetteville, Arkansas; two Nieces, LaQuita Ricks of Akron, Ohio, and Tylesta Ricks-Davis (Devon) of Akron, Ohio; one Nephew, Tyler Ricks-Finney of Fairlawn, Ohio; five Great-Nephews and three Great-Nieces; and many other relatives and friends. Though he will be intensely missed, his spirit will live within our hearts forever.
Due to COVID restrictions, logistics, and inclement weather conditions, there will be a graveside memorial service and internment at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville, Arkansas, under the direction of Moore’s Chapel Funeral Home in Fayetteville, at a later time.
In Garry Ricks’ Memory, you may support The Salvation Army Homeless Shelter, 219 W. 15th Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, or a charitable organization of your choice.
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