Calvin Ricks

Calvin Wesley Spencer Ricks was born on Tuesday, March 24, 1981, to the late Willie Pearl "Samantha" Ricks (McCuller). He was her pride and joy.
Calvin was a happy and vibrant child. He was educated in the Rochester City School District and proudly earned his high school diploma in 2000 from Wilson Magnet High School, where he celebrated being a Wilson Wildcat.
After graduation, Calvin joined the Navy. Unfortunately, he was released early due to injuries. He later continued his education at the University of Phoenix, where he earned his degree.
Calvin was a man of many talents. He began working at the age of 16, with Jean West as his very first job. Over the years, he developed strong leadership and supervisory skills, which led him to Amazon. Through his hard work, Calvin was presented with the opportunity of a lifetime to travel across the country for work in California.
He settled in Gilroy, California, and quickly fell in love with the community. Calvin often expressed how happy he was and how grateful he felt to have moved there. His joy was evident in the many pictures, videos, and virtual tours he shared. He often said Gilroy felt like home, a belief confirmed by what he saw as signs from his mother. One of which was that his very first furniture purchase totaled $1,737, the same number as his childhood home address.
Calvin was creative in every sense of the word. His passion for digital arts and graphic design was displayed through his business, 585solutions, where his work appeared on billboards, storefronts, album covers, flyers, posters, business cards, clothing, and more. He also applied his creativity to hobbies such as wrestling groups, gaming leagues, live streams, and his board game Mogul, which he worked on for years and proudly completed.
An avid gamer, Calvin especially enjoyed WWE, GTA, and The Sims. He also practiced martial arts, with Taekwondo being his favorite; he advanced through many belt levels over the years.
Above all, Calvin loved being a father. He made sure his children never went without and took pride in being present in their lives. He was kindhearted, caring, loving, patient, friendly, and loyal. Calvin wore his heart on his sleeve and would give the shirt off his back to anyone. He embodied what it meant to be a truly good person.
Calvin also shared a love for cooking, a gift passed down from his mother. His favorite dishes to prepare were steak (always well-done) and lasagna.
He was predeceased by his mother, Willie Pearl "Samantha" McCuller, and his cousin, Darryl McCuller Jr.
Calvin Wesley Spencer Ricks leaves behind a legacy of love that will be cherished forever. He is survived by his two beloved children, Markus Williams-Ricks and Alexis Ricks; his stepfather, James McCuller; his aunt, Brenda McCuller; and his favorite cousin, Derrick McCuller. He is also survived by his inherited brothers, Dermonyal Tarver Sr. and Levi Williams Jr.; his sister, Marie Williams ("Little Marie"); and his great friend, Samantha Williams-Tarver.
Calvin's heart belonged to his loving partner, Jamillah Gonzalez, whom he affectionately called "My J."
He also leaves behind a host of extended family, cousins, friends, and cherished members of his gaming communities.