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Rickey Smith
1979 - 2016
Rickey Smith
1979 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1979
DIED
2016
Rickey Smith Obituary
Born in Texas, Smith taught school before he took a chance and auditioned for the show in 2002. The season opened Jan. 21, 2003. Smith’s singing proved popular with the judges – if not the viewers who voted for other contestants including Clay Aiken – and Smith was brought back as a wild-card choice. Ultimately, however, Ruben Studdard won the title in May of that year.
After Smith’s “Idol” run was over, he stayed in Los Angeles, where the show is taped, for a few years, but he returned to Oklahoma when he started to go broke.
“I wasn’t ready to accept the fact that I had to come back and give up music,” Smith told USA Today in a 2008 interview.
Smith studied performance at Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas.
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Friends, fans and other American Idol contestants took to social media to comment on the sad news.
“Suffice it to say my heart is truly breaking today. Heaven’s choir has a new beautiful voice. I love you and will miss you, Rickey,” tweeted fellow contestant Clay Aiken.
“You were the heart of our season and the true definition of a real friend.. I will miss you my Friend RIP Ricky Smith. I’m sure you’re in heaven singing you’re heart out!!!” wrote Ruben Studdard on Instagram.
173 Entries
Carson Loveless
March 2, 2024
Condolences to his family and his friends
Irma George
August 7, 2020
It was such a pleasure watching Rickey on American Idol. His personality was that of a true gentleman. Reading the news of his passing was very devastating. That smile was a welcome sight each week. Sleep in Eternal Paradise Rickey!
Joyce Mitchell
April 19, 2020
We miss you and love you Rickey..your next neighbors.
Taun
May 8, 2018
Good asked for his most precious angel back. I never knew you but only by American idol, u always remained my favorite person ever. My heart hurt & I cried buckets of tears when I learned about your passing. You are truly missed by your family and strangers.
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Stephanie Stinnett
April 5, 2018
Your baby Ava misses you and she asks about you a lot. She wants you to come back home. I think about you everyday.
Maximo Gomez
December 13, 2016
Rip your alive in all are here rest in pice my Friend see you when we a Dan's get up their
Penny Hershman
November 13, 2016
A great loss. Very sad. The Lord will keep you and love you. So sad for this loss
Paulette P
August 11, 2016
Rest in peace; sing high into the heavens. Let GOD know that you are the best and will be missed.
Carolyn Allen
July 28, 2016
So sorry for the loss of such a fine man and a wonderful talent. I watched Rickey on American Idol and enjoyed his singing very much. R.I.P. Rickey.
Glenda G
June 7, 2016
May God give you comfort during this time of sorrow. Last month, I was just online looking him up on the Internet to see where he was, since he was not in the Idol final show, because I loved him on American Idol. He had a beautiful voice and his heart came through the tv. U could c the kindness in him and today for some reason, I was lead here and saw he had passed. I am so glad 2 have seen the beauty of his heart. Though he was in the limelight for a short time, people like me got a chance 2 c a beautiful heart. So to his family, I say thank you for allowing him to come into our homes and share his gift with us. God bless u and keep u!
Brenda Gilliam
May 27, 2016
Ricky," Go Sing high on that mountain.".You will be missed.My Condolences to the family and friends.
Raymond Mott
May 14, 2016
I've been around Rickey a few times at church and he was always singing and he was good at it I love music also I could tell that he was passionate about it he was great on American Idol. Will be greatly missed I will be praying for the family and his children. I know I will see you someday again Rickey until then my brother RIP.
R J
May 14, 2016
I pray that your family finds strength and comfort. I'm very sorry to hear this news.
Tony and Mary Johnson
May 14, 2016
We will miss you nephew. And to our sister and ur mother we luv u.
Kim Ross
May 13, 2016
Praying for you All I know your Hearts are so heavy right now just wanted you All to know how much I'm praying for you All and so sorry for your loss wish I could have been there with you All today. Just know that little Ricky was loved by so many and hi his memory will live on in us All God Bless you All Love you All Rick Smith Sr.Toni Smith ,Bro&Sis.McClain Ricky is gone but never forgotten Blessings Kim Ross
Brenda D Anderson
May 13, 2016
Praying for your family.
Susan Silva
May 13, 2016
Rickey Smith was a light on American Idol Season 2. I am so glad so many of his Idol family returned to pay tributaries to him today because he was a remarkable human being, as well as a gifted singer who unfortunately did not get the widespread recognition he deserved for his beautiful singing gift. An even greater gift may have been to impact lives with his positive, generous spirit, and his dazzling, genuine smile that lifted and encouraged so many. Sincere condolences to his family and all whose lives he touched.
Tiffany and Andrew Ayala and family
May 13, 2016
I am so thankful to not only have had the privilege of knowing Rickey, but have been blessed to call him family. He has truely been a blessing in my cousin Candy and Ali's life. They are so fortunate to have such a genuine loving caring man and father in their lives. It saddens me to know his sweet little Ava will not get to grow up with this amazing man in her life.. Her daddy. But I believe she is his legacy and will keep him in her heart for all of her eternity. In her he lives on. I will never fully understand why this had to happen, so sudden, so tragic, so sad. My Deepest and sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Thank you to his mother and father for sharing him with the world. Heaven gained an Angel. Rest in peace RICKEY we will forever miss and love you.
Reneya H
May 13, 2016
Rick was by far one of the most amazing men that I have ever encountered. From a child on up to a man he remained the same loving, uplifting guy. Words cannot express the hurt. From the love, laughs, joys, trying times, random songs and everything else, he'll be greatly missed and loved more than anyone could ever imagine. Love you guys! ~~~~Mimi
Taylor L
May 13, 2016
RIP Rickey.
A Fan
May 13, 2016
I did not know Rickey personally but his ever-present smile and mellow voice made me love him like a friend. RIP young man. You will be missed.
Dawnanita James
May 13, 2016
Your light will never deam in my heart. Rest In Peace!
Lyndsey Bird
May 13, 2016
My deepest and sincerest condolences go out to the Entire Smith Family, Candy, Ava, Ali and the extended family and friends! Rickey was an amazing person no doubt he is very loved and missed by many! My family and I have been praying for you all and will continue in the days, weeks, months and years to come! God Bless you all!
Roy and Amanda Newnam
May 13, 2016
Our sincerest condolences to the family. Rickey was one of the kindest, most genuine, big hearted guys we've ever had the privilege of knowing during our time working in bricktown. Always smiling and happy. May God give you strength during this difficult time. Know that he is singing with the angels.
Jacqueline
May 13, 2016
While living in Oklahoma I met this amazing young man. I will always remember the time my son Ezekiel and I surprised Rickey at a concert for Florida Hospital. His legacy will continue on in the lives of many. May the family find peace, comfort and strength in the Creator.
May 13, 2016
I love you brother XoXo, Bubbles
Venus Velasquez
May 13, 2016
Rickey was one of the kindest guys I've ever known. He had a great light inside of him that shown on everyone he shared a smile with. You really felt like you were in the presence of a true friend when Rickey was around. The world is truly a darker place without him. My deepest condolences to his family, and those fortunate enough to have known Rickey as a friend.
John "bubbles" Deveney
May 13, 2016
Working with you at Slick Willies family pool hall was a blast! You and I always connected when signing songs at work.
I have met hundreds of people and you will be one of few who stands out.
The holidays were very special at work; Christmas and Halloween were always fun.
Being around you was exciting. I never saw you in a bad mood, never complained about your personal issues.
You had a wonderful outlook on life and welcomed everyone into your heart. Regardless of color, profession or religious affiliation you were tolerant to many.
This is still a shock, it makes me question why? Why you? Why not someone else?
We remain, your spirit lives one through family and friends. I miss you buddy. I love you brother.
Prayers and warm thoughts go out to your family.
John "BUBBLES" Deveney
May 12, 2016
Jennifer Ramirez
May 12, 2016
R.i.p. rickey.my thoughts n prayers are with your family!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now that of yours on idol will never ne forgotten!!!!!!!!!!
Autumn Jefferson
May 12, 2016
I would like to send my condolences to the family of Rickey E. Smith Jr. I pray that God gives you all strength during these hard and trying times.
Amber Brown
May 12, 2016
I was blessed to have a conversation with Rickey while I was at home visiting in February. His beautiful spirit was still the same and he greeted me with a warm hug. He really did leave a lasting and loving impression on the people he met. I'm glad that the world got to experience what a wonderful person Rickey was. I will remember your family in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Amber Brown, Del City High School Class of 2000
May 12, 2016
RIP Rickey. Condolences and prayers to the family and friends.
Darlene Byrd
May 12, 2016
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Ricky. No doubt that he will be deeply missed. Loosing a loved one can be very difficult to deal with especially when they haven't had a chance to really get to live yet. May the God of all tender mercies give you strength during this time of sadness. Psalm 34: 18 says that He is near to those who are broken at heart and crushed in spirit he saves.
Hillary Huey
May 12, 2016
Rickey Roo,
I've never had a friendship like ours. Your kindness was apparent from the first time we met many years ago and I'm blessed to have been given the opportunity to have a deep, strong friendship with you all these years. You taught me so much about life, love, and being a friend. You have the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met and the world was better with you in it. I will do everything I can to be there for your family, especially sweet Ava. She will know how amazing her dad is.
I will never stop praying for your family and friends. I will miss you every day until my time comes. I can't wait to see you again my BFL.
Love,
Hilly
To those who knew Rickey, please think of a quality of his that you admire, and I challenge you to make it your own. Let's keep his spirit alive here on earth by embodying those amazing qualities he possessed. Whether that's being a good friend, always being positive, treating strangers like family, or giving your last dollar to helping someone. Let's take a piece of him with us every day.
Win H
May 12, 2016
My family and I send our heartfelt condolences regarding Rickey. May you take the wonderful things about him, his favorful voice, loyalty be reflected in your lives as a remembrance of him. - Jeremiah 29:11, 12 "For l well know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you, thoughts of peace, & not of calamity, to give you a future & a hope. And you will call me & pray to me, & I will LISTEN to you."
Erica Freeman
May 12, 2016
Heaven has gained an angel, rest in peace classmate, you will be missed! My sincere condolences to Rickey's family, I'm praying for you.
Evangelist Yolanda Brooks
May 11, 2016
My prayers are with you. Bro. Ricky and my sister Toni continue to look to the hills which cometh your help your help comes from the Lord. I feel bad that I won't be able to attend services, because of new job I'm at. But, my prayers are with you, Toni and the rest of the family.
Your sister
A hope to see your loved one again. Revaluation 21;3,4
Jasmin Nelson
May 11, 2016
Catherine Wright
May 11, 2016
To The Family of Rickey Smith, So sorry for your lost. When I saw his picture I said I know this young man from somewhere as I read on I realize he sang on American Idol. so saddened to hear that He lost his life in a tragic accident. His love of life and beautiful smile could warm your heart. Soon to come to past is the ressurection of our dear love ones . Ecclesiastes 7:1 Sorry for your loss, may the God of all comfort grant your family peace in the coming days ahead.
Warm Regards
Catherine Wright
Fred Garred
May 11, 2016
Great voice and infectious smile and great personality.....as far as I'm concerned that was the Greatest year and the last year I watched AI.....RIP
Pamela Carter
May 11, 2016
To the Smith Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Rickey will be greatly missed. His smile is what I will always remember and his singing. I got lucky to see Rickey in Richmond when they did the American Idol Tour and also got to see in Fredericksburg on Idol Tour too.
I got to talk to him briefly, he was glad to be in Va and to see his fans.
I will never forget him always smiling.
You'll will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Felicia
May 11, 2016
To the family and friends, I am trully sorry for your loss. He was one of my favorites on AI. May he rest in peace. God Bless
cindy bigelow
May 11, 2016
Rickey the world is not as bright without you and your beautiful smile you will be so missed your home with our Savior now rest my friend
Ronald Rowlett
May 11, 2016
My heart is deeply saddened for Rickey's family and friends for this sudden and tragic loss. I feel honored and blessed to have known this outstanding man, father, and friend. My thoughts and prayers goes out to all that were touched by Rickey. Rest in peace my friend. Let heaven ring loud with your voice!
laurie hope
May 11, 2016
rickey smith may you rest with the angles when i saw you on tv i was hoping you would win on al my paryers and condolences are with you and your family love laurie ps you are now the king angle
Artice Ellis
May 11, 2016
Soo sorry to hear of the Loss of Rickey Smith Jr. May your family be BLESSED! Look to GOD for your help and strength.
May 10, 2016
My sincerest condolences to your family and friends. May the God of comfort bring you a measure of peace. 1peter 5 : 7
Kendrell Holley
May 10, 2016
Saddened by the loss but grateful because I know that you can now fly. Just spread your wings and fly! R.I.H Li'l Rickey
I remember his time on Idol. How sad to lose such a nice voice.
JJM
May 10, 2016
Cheryl Herron
May 10, 2016
I remember years ago when Ricky got a keyboard for Christmas and carried it everywhere! I think of that and smile. God knows all about it and will see you all through. I send my sincere sympathy with love.
Wright
May 10, 2016
To the Smith family,friends,and fans:Our hearts are sadden for the loss of your dear loved one.Now is the time to draw close to God and he will draw close to you and strengthen you in the days ahead.
Hollis Jackson
May 10, 2016
Rickey, I cannot express in words how you will be missed. Most memorable thought for me, was you singing at our 1998 graduation, I still get chills thinking about it... I believe I can fly, I believe I can touch the sky, I think about it every night and day, spread my wings and fly away, I believe I can soar, see me running through the open doors... You have flown here on earth and now you have touched the sky ascending to the heavens above. I think of all the great times both night and day, as you spread your wings to fly away. You will continue to soar, as the Lord welcomes you through open doors... Much Love Rickey, RIP.
C H
May 10, 2016
My condolences on the loss of your loved one. May the God of tender mercies comfort you as he comforts us in all our trials. My prayers are with you.
Shronda T. Barry
May 10, 2016
R.I.P.sweet Rickey. Sing praises unto thee dear angel, heaven has gained another child. Fly high and sing loud Rickey.
May 10, 2016
Sincere prayers for you and your family and friends. RIP Rickey.
Crystal Buck
May 10, 2016
Im so sorry for you lose, god really needed another angel. My thoughts and prays are with you..
Lakesha Jackson
May 10, 2016
Rickey you were always singing I believe I can fly, well sweetheart you have your wings, and I know you are singing beautiful songs up in heaven. Prayers going up to your family, may you rest in peace.
Diane Bamford
May 10, 2016
I will miss you sweet Rickey. To the family, words cannot express the sorrow I feel for your loss.
Lucia Racz
May 10, 2016
Sending my condolences and prayers all the way from Brazil! Big fan!
Markesha Chiles (Robinson)
May 10, 2016
Rickey...you have your wings now..."I Believe You Can Fly Too" Praying for your family during this trying time!
May 10, 2016
My prayers are with you and your family.
Lori O
May 10, 2016
Rickey, may you keep flying high and sing with the angels. You definitely left too early. You put Oklahoma back in everyone's heart.
May 10, 2016
I loved watching him sing on Idol . He had a beautiful smile. Praying for his family and friends. He was days from his 37 th Birthday RIP Ricky. Nita Taylor Atlanta, Ga.
J Felton
May 10, 2016
Truly one of the genuinely good people, my thoughts and prayers go out to your family ..until we meet again my friend!
Loretha Runnels
May 10, 2016
Rickey you will be greatly missed...your now in Heaven singing with God's Angel's...Rest in Peace
Alice Hunnicutt
May 9, 2016
Extending my deepest sympathy in the loss of this kind & talented man. My thoughts & prayers are with Rickey's family.
Larika Stevenson
May 9, 2016
Rickey, I'm going to miss you!!! I love you friend!
Rydberg Family
May 9, 2016
Rickey, you will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to your family and every friend touched by your amazing presence. You get to sing with God now, and what a voice heaven has gained.
Anita Alexander
May 9, 2016
My condolences to the Smith family so sorry for your lost ricky will be missed Resting In Love
Renee Newman
May 9, 2016
Little Rickey you will be miss by all who knew you ! Beautiful Heart beautiful soul, May God keep and Bless your Family. One of my favorite scriptures ( To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord ! Amen Thank you Father God for the time we shared with Rickey Smith Jr.
markiesha Ward -Green
May 9, 2016
Rickey you will be truly missed by many and truly loved by too many. Sending my Condolences to the a wonderful family that lost a truly blessed man. Rickey Smith we love you.
May 9, 2016
You will be truly missed. The voice of an Angel.
tamara graumann
May 9, 2016
Rickey you will be missed dearly. I remember when you would sing just walking down the hallway at school. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. Spread your wings and fly. Fly high like an eagle. RIP
Brandi Griffin
May 9, 2016
My sister Tamara went to school with and you are truly missed and loved by so many people Fly high spread your del city Eagles wings
Karen Morris
May 9, 2016
Ricky SR. And Dee. My deepest condolences. Praying God's strength to keep you and the family.
May 9, 2016
Ricky SR. And Dee. My deepest condolences. Praying God's strength to keep you. Karen Morris (Colbert)
Nikki haggard
May 9, 2016
Rickey you will be missed deeply sending my condolences to your family... be free with the angels and sing in heaven..
MA
May 9, 2016
I send my condolences. May the God of All comfort give you peace as you cope with your losts.
Yvonne Zuniga
May 9, 2016
My deepest condolences to you and your Family. May God continue to watch over you and your Family.
May 9, 2016
May god's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad and difficult time. Psalms 119 : 50,76 EJC. GA.
May 9, 2016
I remember Rickey from Am. Idol. So sorry.
May 9, 2016
My condolences to your family during this time of grief.
Shawanda Cole
May 9, 2016
Still in disbelief you will be missed and never forgotten. My heart and love goes out to your/ or family
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Camella Ford
May 9, 2016
May the love of
friends and family
carry you through your
grief.
May 9, 2016
RIP Rickey. One more angel in heaven. May God be with your family at this time.
B. Johnson
May 9, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
May 9, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
DS
May 9, 2016
May family, friends, and God's word be your strength during this most difficult time. Sorry for the family's loss.
Paula Taylor
May 9, 2016
Rest in power Ricky.
Carol Robin Gorfien
May 9, 2016
So sad to hear of the sudden passing of Rickey Smith. My condolences go out to his family. Gone too Soon
Rest In Peace Rickey
Carolyn Murray
May 9, 2016
To The Smith Family,
May our God surround your family with his healing, strengthening, compassionate arms of love. The good die so young; he is with the Lord again from where he came. I'll cherish the memories of Rickey as the jokester on American Idol; he will be missed by all that had the pleasure of having him touch your lives. Keep his memories within your spirits, minds and hearts; these are the places in which Rickey will forever live. RIP Rickey
Debra Vieira
May 9, 2016
Rickey the first time I saw you on Idol I was captured by your sweet voice and wonderful smile. Everyone who gets you know you can't help but love you. I am glad I got to meet you after the AI Toronto show. You knew me as Miss Vie from your fan club. I will never forget the lovely handwritten card you sent me. I have cried since I heard you were gone. So sad for your family and friends. God will hold you close in his memory till you hear his call back to life soon. Love you and miss you, Miss Vie from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Donnie Corbett
May 9, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the family of Rickey Smith. Psalm 30:5
May 8, 2016
So very sad to hear this awful news! R. I. P.
May 8, 2016
I am sorry for your loss.
L J
May 8, 2016
So very sorry to hear of Rickey's passing.
Please know the God of all comfort will be with the family during this difficult time of loss. Also during your time of grief.
(I Pet 5:7)
(Psl. 34:6)
May 8, 2016
May the peace of God be with you.
In Paradise, the dead will rise and be reunited with their loved ones
Olaj B
May 8, 2016
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