John Ricks

John P. Ricks was a special husband, father, uncle, cousin, grandfather and friend to many.
Love could not keep him on earth therefore he answered the Lord’s call on July 4th, 2020
surrounded by his loving family.
Brother John P. Ricks Jr. was born July 27,
1926 in Trussville, Alabama to the late John P. Ricks Sr. & Mary Ellen Perry
Ricks. He was the product of the Jefferson County School System. Upon
completion of high school, John enlisted in the United States Army and served
in World War II. During his time of service with the U.S. Army, he traveled the
world and brought many souvenirs of his travels to his family.
John accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Joy Baptist Church in
Trussville, AL. When he moved to Birmingham he joined Harmony Street
Baptist Church where he served as Senior Deacon and Sunday School Teacher.
On November 28, 2012, John had a renewal baptism at Ensley Church of Christ
where he was a faithful member until his health started to decline.
John worked faithfully and retired from HK Porter Company, Inc.,
Connors Steel Division.
He was united in holy matrimony in 1948 to Lorine Harris Ricks until her
death. Within that union 5 children were borne. He was later united in holy
matrimony to Elizabeth Rose (Crowley) Ricks and together united as one
happy family lovingly called Dad or Papa. He loved life and enjoyed playing
pranks on his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. After his sister,
Sarah’s husband passed away at an early age, he became a surrogate father to
her children.
John was preceded in death by his father, John P. Ricks Sr., his mother
Mary Ellen Perry Ricks, sisters, Sarah Estelle Ross, and Helen Marie Ricks;
daughters: Joyce Ellen Ricks, Janice Marie Ricks, Sandra Copeland, cherished,
nephew George Ross and niece Veeda Varner.
Leaving to cherish his memory: A loving and devoted wife, Elizabeth Rose
(Crowley) Ricks, his sons: John Edward(Beth) Ricks of Virginia, James
Thomas Ricks, Truman Billingsley,Jr. of Birmingham daughters: Linda (Derrick)
Williamson of Illinois; Angela (Curdell) Allen, Tasha Walker, and Tabitha (Juanderius) Woods of
Birmingham. Special niece Annese Jackson, and nephews, Percy Ross and
Clarence Ross, 5 grandchildren, Carolyn Ricks, Kimberly Pini, John E. Ricks,
Jr., D. Brandon Williamson and Justin Williamson, and additional 12
grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren a host of relatives and friends.