Rickie Roger Brittain

1954 - 2025

Rickie Roger Brittain

January 23, 1954 - October 28, 2025

Command Sergeant Major Rickie Roger Brittain of Hickory, N.C., passed away October 28, 2025, at the age of 71. Rickie was born January 23, 1954. Rickie was a proud US Army Special Forces Airborne veteran, who served his country for 39 and a half years. He joined the Army in 1973 with the desire to expand his horizons. During this time, he was deployed to Haiti, Afghanistan, Iraq and east Africa. Rickie retired from his distinguished career in 2013 with the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Master Parachutist Badge, Special Forces Tab, multiple Foreign Parachute Badges, and numerous other badges and awards.

Rickie's humble beginnings started in Startown, N.C. He was raised on the land tending to the farm animals, working in the garden, and canning food with his family. He graduated from Fred T. Foard High School where he played football, baseball, and ran track. He graduated from Texas Tech with a master's degree in engineering and he held a long-term civilian career with AT&T. Rickie married the love of his life Robin Whitman Brittain in 1984. They were married for 33 years until her passing in 2017. During his lifetime Rickie instilled a love of adventure and travel in his two children, Shane and Mariah. He traveled far and wide with them, calling themselves "The Adventure Club." Rickie, himself, had made it to five continents. Rickie finished the Yeti 100 mile race at the age of 65. He spent much of his retirement hunting and fishing. He was an American hero, father, brother, grandfather, friend, and so much more. Rickie was the Sergeant Major to us all, always giving his best and expecting that in return. He was the kind of man we all wish we could be, setting a standard for others to emulate, and always leading the way, quite often with a smile on his face.

Rickie was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Brittain and Barbara Jonas Brittain; wife Robin Whitman Brittain; and niece Crystal Brittain.

Rickie is survived by son Richard Shane Brittain and wife Rebecca; daughter Mariah Megan Brittain; granddaughter Callie Shayne Brittain; brother Danny Brittain; sister Nita Plummer; nephew Ben Murray, wife Kirstin, and great niece Grace; nephew Jessie Brittain; great nephews Devon and Logan Fink; great-great nephew Colin; and "Bullet Ole Buddy of Mine" his Australian Shepherd.

In lieu of flowers, Rickie's family request that donations be made to the Heroes Haven to support our country's injured heroes. Https://heroeshaven.org/donate/

A celebration of life memorial will be held Saturday, November 15th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the family's compound. Please contact Rickie's children, Shane or Mariah, for directions.