Raymond Phillip Prickett

Raymond Phillip Prickett, affectionately known as Ray or Phil, was born on December 23, 1950, in Albertville, Alabama. He passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, at home in Columbus, Georgia, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, kindness, and service.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 AM Friday, September 5, 2025 in the chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. 31907. The family will receive friends for visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery following the service.

Ray’s career spanned various chapters of his life, beginning with his employment at Bibb Manufacturing working after school. Shortly after graduating from Western High School in 1969, his commitment to his country led him to join the United States Army in June 1969. He honorably served for 24 years until his retirement in 1994. Throughout his military service, Ray held numerous assignments that shaped him into a respected leader, including basic training at Fort Benning, helicopter mechanic training at Fort Rucker, and a notable deployment to Camp Eagle (Comancheros, 101 Airborne Division) near Hue City, Vietnam in 1970. He excelled as a Drill Instructor, being recognized as the youngest to hold that position in Fort Knox history by 1972. He continued to achieve remarkable distinctions, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant at Fort Polk and attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class during three deployments to Germany. After retirement, he work for a period of time at several Winn Dixie stores in the Columbus area and an employee trainer.

In pursuit of further education, Ray completed his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Troy State University in 2000, graduating Cum Laude. His academic achievements were a testament to his determination and intellectual prowess.

Despite being an introverted individual, Ray possessed a caring and approachable nature. He balanced his role as a Drill Instructor with an innate ability to provide support to those in need of a listening ear. Friends and family will remember him not as a perfect man, but as a kind, gentle, and loving soul who made a lasting impact on those around him.

Ray cherished the great outdoors, spending much of his leisure time nurturing his yard and tending to his flowers. His passion for exploring the world led him to travel extensively, revisiting Germany and enjoying numerous cruises during his retirement.

He leaves behind his beloved family, including his sister Paulette Rigsby and brother-in-law Tim Rigsby of Newnan, Georgia; sister Edith Perry of Columbus, Georgia; sister Felicia Henley and brother-in-law Dennis Henley of Linden, Tennessee; daughter Melissa Heine of Beaverton, Oregon; stepdaughter Diane Ruhl of Columbus, Georgia; stepson James Wilcox of Kerrville, Texas; stepson Frank Wilcox and stepdaughter-in-law Regina Wilcox of Midland, Georgia; stepson William Wilcox and stepdaughter-in-law Michel Wilcox of St Augustine, Florida; as well as eight step-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren. He is also remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.

Ray is preceded in death by his devoted wife, Anneliese Droste Prickett; father Reatha H. Prickett; mother Pauline O. Smith; stepfather Joe A. Smith; sister Deneise Gunnells; and son-in-law Brad Heine; along with his step-grandchild Domonique Wilcox.

Though he has left this world, the memories and the spirit of Raymond Phillip Prickett will endure in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.