Raymond Lambert Ricks

Raymond Lambert Ricks
"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Dt 31:8 "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." Prov 3:5-6
Raymond Lambert Ricks transitioned peacefully to his heavenly home on Wednesday January 18, 2023, surrounded by his four children. He was 94 years old. Ray was born in Roseland, Louisiana, the son of the late Gage and Alma Ricks. Growing up on a cotton farm he
learned the meaning of hard work at an early age. At 17 he enlisted in the United States Navy and participated in OPERATION CROSSROADS, testing the effect of the Atomic Bomb on naval vessels, earning a World War II Victory Medal. Leaving the military in 1947, he began a career at the Baton Rouge Fire Department and worked his way through the ranks to eventually become the Chief of Operations (2 nd in Command). He retired after 34 years of service and continued to pursue his passion of hunting, fishing, and gardening.
He was married 63 years to the love of his life, the late Wanda Jean Arnold Ricks, a native of Brookhaven, Mississippi. Ray will always be remembered by his family for his exemplary dedication, love, and compassion in taking care of her during the golden years of her life. He will be dearly missed by all!
He is survived by his daughter Cynthia Ricks Frederic (Randy); sons Keith Ricks (Kim), Barry Ricks (Joy), and Bradley Ricks (Kim); half-sister Lillian Taylor; step-brother Alton Westmoreland. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Shelley Ricks Graham, Kamie Ricks Sanchez, Gerren Babin, Brandon Babin, Tiffany Moulard, Travis Ricks, Darren Ricks, Brittany Ricks Henderson, Kaylee Ricks Morris, Christopher Ensminger, 17 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by twin brother Gage Ricks and younger brother Joseph Ricks; sisters Louise Beysselance, Mary Bergeron, and Margie Simmons; son-in-law, Anthony (AJ) Frederic.
Pallbearers will be Darren Ricks, Travis Ricks, Gerren Babin, Brandon Babin, Kirk Graham, Mike Sanchez, John Mark Henderson, and Kyle Morris. Honorary Ambers Wheat.
Our family would like to extend a sincere, "Thank You" to Cathy Thibodeaux and Gwen Legard for their love and heartfelt compassion of care during his latter stage of life.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend visitation on Wednesday January 25 th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Colyell Baptist Church, 19524 LA-42, Livingston, LA 70754. Funeral Service will be at 1:00 p.m. with the interment following at Colyell Baptist Church Cemetery.
Fire Service and Military Honors will be in attendance.