Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel
PICTURE
Romie ( R. J. ) Ricks , 85, went to be with his Heavenly Father on December 20, 2012 . He was born in Adrian, GA on January 19, 1927, to Horace and Ida Ricks. He left home as a young teenager and moved to Charleston, SC where he drove a Coca Cola truck and where he met his wife of 69 years, Margaret Graham Ricks. After they married, they moved to Savannah where he began his career in the glass business. He went to work for his sister who owned Artcraft Glass Co. It wasn't long before he set out to achieve his dream of owning his own company, which is now known as Ricks Glass Co, Inc. and has been located on Wheaton Street in Savannah for most of the 58 years that he has been in the glass business.
The only thing he liked better than running his company was his garden. Every summer, he produced fruits and vegetables and took them in to his office. If you came to Ricks Glass during the summer, you might purchase a piece of glass, but you took home free produce from Mr. Ricks' garden.
He also had a burning desire to reach souls for the Lord. He would give out Billy Graham tracts all around town in hopes of leading even one person to the Lord and a heavenly home.
For most of their married life they attended the First Alliance Church in Savannah where Mr. Ricks served in almost every capacity from Sunday School teacher to Elder . After moving to Effingham County, 19 years ago, they joined First Baptist Church of Rincon.
He is predeceased by his three sisters, Carolyn Lanier, Flora Wilson, Mildred Cagle and two brothers, Richard Ricks and Jack Ricks. He is also preceded in death by his daughter Barbara Boaen Turner.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret, his youngest brother, Clyde Ricks (Flossie) of Adrain, GA, his daughter Judy Cox (Ed) and a son, Mike Ricks. He leaves behind four grandchildren, Butch Cox and Cari Fresoli (Matt) of Charlotte, NC, Bobby Boaen (Kim) of Anderson, SC and Mark Ricks of Savannah, as well as seven great grandsons whom he adored.
He will be greatly missed by family, friends and all the many people he has touched in his business life.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, December 22nd at Strickland Funeral Home in Springfield.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 23rd at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Rincon.
Graveside services will follow at the Bonaventure Cemetery, Greenwich section.
Friends may sign the online register at: www.stricklandandsonsfuneralhome.com
Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. 754-6421