Final Arrangements entrusted to Emanuel Funeral Home-Palestine

Services: Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church,
1007 S. Fulton Street, Palestine, Texas 75801

Visitation: Friday, February 28, 2014 at Emanuel Funeral Home-Palestine
1721 W. Oak Street, Palestine, Texas 75801
10:00 am to 6:00 pm

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CLEBRATING THE LIFE OF LAWRENCE W. RICKS

L.W. Ricks (Lawrence William) was born January 17, 1939 in Palestine, Anderson County, Texas. He was the fifth of seven children born to the union of Samuel Ricks Sr. and Victoria Morrow Ricks.

He departed this life February 22, 2014.

Brother Ricks united with Green Bay A.M.E. Church at an early age, under the pastorate of the late Rev. G.J. Johnson. He grew up in Tucker, TX, was educated at Green Bay School and graduated with his diploma in May, 1959.

On June 20, 1960, L.W. relocated to Austin, TX to accept a position at the Texas School for the Blind Deaf and Orphans. After thirty-five years of service, he retired in August, 1995 from the Texas School for the Deaf at the level of Warehouse Supervisor. He studied Deaf Communication and was proficient in American Sign Language. After one year of retirement, L.W. accepted a position with BMC Software, Austin, Texas, as a Facility Clerk where he worked for seven years and retired a second time in March, 2003.

On May 19, 2000 he married Jessie Gay and they relocated to Palestine, Texas. After moving to Palestine L.W. began working at Wal-Mart Superstore in 2004 and remained a faithful employee until October 2011 when he retired for the final time.

L.W. was a kind and gentle man who loved the Lord and His church. While living in Austin, Texas, he united with Simpson United Methodist Church and was a committed and faithful member until he moved to Palestine. While at Simpson United Methodist Church he served in multiple capacities including: Transportation Ministry, Driver, Lay Leader of Simpson Methodist Men, President of Senior Ushers, Supervisor of Junior Ushers and Chairman of Pastor's Parish Relations Committee.

After he moved to Palestine, he continued his service to the Lord in several local churches. At New Behold Church, he served as Sunday School Teacher, Ushers and Junior Usher Trainer and Supervisor. L.W. loved the Ministry of the Usher, and served as trainer for them in various towns in Texas and Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Ricks Sr. and Victoria Ricks, two brothers, Samuel (aka Pete) Ricks Sr. and Warren Earl (Tang) Ricks.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his devoted wife, Jessie Ricks; one daughter, Yolanda (Kevin) Tinzy of Fort Worth, Texas and their children, Kevon and Travon; one stepson, Johnathan Gay; and one stepdaughter, Janice T. (Hosea) Cannon both of Denver, Colorado and their children, Aaron, Monique, Hosea III and Josiah; two brothers, Julius (Virginia) Ricks of Sacramento, California, and James (Mary) Ricks of Houston, Texas; two sisters, Earnestine Robinson of Palestine, Texas, and Juanita (Amos) Dewitty of Austin, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

L.W. was an uncommon man. He was a devout christian, with a deep commitment to his God, wife, church, family and friends. His sense of humor was something "special". He will be greatly missed.