John F. Ricketson Jr.

John Ricketson -AVERA - John F. Ricketson, Jr. passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2004 at his residence after a bout with lung cancer. Services will be held at 1P.M. Tuesday in the chapel of James Funeral Home in Wrens with internment following at 2:30P.M. in the Warrenton City Cemetery. The Rev. Marvin Goodman will officiate. -In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Walden's United Methodist Church Building Fund, 1760 Walden Church Rd. Avera, GA 30803 or to St. Joseph's Hospital Hospice, 2260 Wrightsboro Rd. Augusta, GA 30904. -Mr. Ricketson was born October 21, 1926 in Warrenton, the only child of Alma (Darden) and John F. Ricketson, Sr. He attended Warrenton High School, Georgia Military College, and The University of Georgia. He was most proud of his service to his country in the South Pacific Theater as a naval artillery fire controller on the light cruiser USS Oklahoma City during WW II. -A natural born salesman, he sold directory advertising for Southern Bell until 1967 when he founded the first of three flourishing businesses in Macon. In 1976, he became associated with Hearthstone Log Homes and for many years was the most successful Distributor in the nation. After retiring, he lived in Warrenton and Avera. He was a member of the Warrenton American Legion and the VFW in Thomson. He sang for many years in the choir at Cross Keys UMC in Macon. A trustee of Walden's United Methodist Church, he was a member of the Fellowship Sunday School Class. -An avid sportsman, he taught his boys to hunt, to fish, and to love the outdoors and all of the natural gifts the Lord gave us. He taught his daughter the love of song and music. Having a wonderful tenor voice, he sang at countless weddings and funerals over the years. -He is survived by his devoted wife, Sylvia F. Ricketson; children, John F. (Deana) Ricketson, III of Macon, Jack D. Ricketson, and Laurie R. (Harry) Faircloth, of Juliette. Stepchildren, Mikel (Caren) Skinner of Avera, Cindy (Junie) Greene of Jackson, SC, Kelly (Tammie) McNeely of Sandersville, and Sam (Donna) McNeely of Thomson. Grandchildren, Capt. Theodore (Ruth) Roberts of Nellis AFB NV, Anna Hayden of Gray, Brian Ricketson, and Aubriann Ricketson of Juliette. Seven great grandchildren and sixteen step-grandchildren. John Ricketson