Curtis Dale Rickmon

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not onto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6
Curtis Dale Rickmon, born on December 28, 1955, in Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully in the home he built with his own two hands beside his bride of 50 years on the early morning of Wednesday, August 13, 2025 in Pendleton, South Carolina, due to a blood clot passing from his leg into his heart.
Curtis, as he was affectionately known, was the rock of his family and the standard of strength, loyalty, and perseverance. His life was his wife, his children, and the home he built with them. To his family, he was nothing short of a superhero-a man who overcame countless odds, stayed true to himself, and never let the world sway him from the values he lived by. He knew what he had to do: work hard, provide, and take care of his household. And that's exactly what he did.
Curtis lived his life with quiet strength. Though not a man of many words, his actions spoke volumes. He taught his children by living as an example-showing them how to work hard. "Do it right the first time," was a constant mantra and "never back down even when walking through the valley of the shadow." He instilled in them grit and courage to keep going no matter what life brought.
Though imperfect, Curtis loved his wife and children with an unwavering devotion. To his wife of 50 years, he was a steadfast partner, and to his children, a father whose flame lit their way and whose legacy of strength and resilience now lives on through them. From sunup to sundown, he worked tirelessly, not for the labor itself, but for the security and happiness of those he cherished most.
Steady and present through every hardship, he poured the same devotion into raising his grandchild, Khlabrial, ensuring that his legacy of love and faithfulness would carry forward for generations. Even in his final days, his love kept pouring out, as he faithfully cared for the twenty-six cats that gathered on his back porch, each one a recipient of his steady kindness.
In his later years, Curtis found joy in watching the successes of his children, seeing in them the perseverance and work ethic he had modeled. He will be remembered for his boisterous belly laugh and his unmatched talent as a builder-there was little he could not create with his hands.
Curtis also began passing down his gifts to the next generation, hiring his grandson Bryzon this past summer and teaching him the tricks of the trade. Their weeks together became precious memories, and sadly, Bryzon's summer job ended the Friday before Curtis peacefully passed away the following Wednesday. Though his absence leaves a great void, Curtis will be remembered not for how his life ended but for how he lived-with love. His legacy of faithfulness, hard work, and family will endure for generations.
Curtis is survived and missed by his loving wife Jacqueline Marlin Rickman, of 50 years; and his children, Ronnie Jerome Rickman (wife Raelene Rickman), Cleavon Rodriguez Rickman, Rebekah Ashley Vedani-Towe (husband Travis Towe), Dewayne Knight Rickman, Anthony Nathan Alan Rickman, Khlabrial Maurice Knight AM Hunter-Rickmon (grandson reared in the home).
Forever cherished and remembered by his twenty-one grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Curtis is also survived by seven siblings and their families: Brenda Rickmon, Sherlyn Bell, Darlyn C. Bell, William Peka Rickman, Wilbur A. Rickmon, Calvin Jr. Bell, Jack Bell (wife Angie Bell).
His memory lives on with a host of nieces and nephews.
Curtis was predeceased by his mother, Louise Bell, stepdad, Calvin Bell, his sister Thomasina Rickmon, and his brothers Melvin Rickmon and Benny Bell.
The Celebration of Life service to honor and celebrate the life of Curtis Dale Rickman will be held on September 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Clemson Seventh-Day Adventist Church at 97 Freedom Drive, Clemson, South Carolina