A native of Wake Forest, Ricky graduated from Wake Forest High School and Hargrave Military Academy. He spent his entire life in the family business, Electric Motor Shop, founded by his Father, Thomas, in 1952. Under his leadership, the business has grown from a one man operation to over 70 employees. Ricky loved Wake Forest and was a member of Glen Royal Baptist Church his entire life. He served on various organizations: Wake Forest Volunteer Fire Dept., President of WF Volunteer Fire Dept. Board of Directors, Masonic Lodge #282, Scottish Rite Bodies, Shriner of Amran Temple, Fidelity Bank Board of Directors, Northern Wake Rescue Squad Board of Directors, Co-Chairman of Building Fund for Northern Wake Senior Citizens Building, Planning Board for Town of Wake Forest, Economic Development for Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce, Wake County ABC Board, Wake Forest Library Board, NC ABC Commissioner, Wake County Fire Board, Wake County Chittlin Club and was Wake Forest Citizen of the Year in 1994. Ricky was passionate about politics and entertaining friends at home.
He is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, Jane; daughter and son-in-law, Hollie and Jimmy Hicks. He was so proud of his grandsons: Chandler and Chase who lovingly called him Big Daddy. He is survived by his sister, Jenny Wright, Mother-in-law, Margaret Lloyd and brother-in-law, Andy Gilleland. Ricky was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Thelma Wright.
A Celebration of Ricky’s life will be held at 2 o’clock Wednesday afternoon, November 7, 2018 at the Wake Forest Fire Department, 420 Elm Ave., Wake Forest, NC. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. prior to the service
The family would like to thank Transitions Hospice and Stay At Home Senior Care for the excellent service they provided.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wake Forest Fire Dept. , 420 Elm Avenue, Wake Forest, NC 27587 or to Transitions Hospice, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.
A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center.405 S. Main St., Wake Forest. (919-556-5811)
www.brightfunerals.com
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