Richard Davis Markham

Rev. Richard "Rick" Davis Markham May 19, 1946 – July 15, 2025 Rev. Richard "Rick" Davis Markham, 79, of Woodstock, GA, passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2025, following a courageous battle with dementia. Rick was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Clarence "Kenny" and Lovie Markham. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Midwest City, Oklahoma, where he spent his formative years. He fondly remembered learning to cook with his mother and playing baseball with his father. As a young man, Rick began preaching on youth Sundays at his family's church and first sensed a call to ministry that would shape the course of his life. He graduated from Midwest City High School, where he was class president and a state champion in both debate and theater. It was there that he met the love of his life, Johnnie Gail "Gaye" Hanks. They married at 18 (and a half) and shared over 60 years of life, love, and faith together. Rick attended Central State College in Edmond, OK, and later The Citadel in Charleston, SC. During this time, he and Gaye welcomed their first child, Richard Davis Markham II. A pivotal moment in Rick's spiritual journey came during the high-risk pregnancy of their second child, Gigi Richelle Markham. In that season of uncertainty, Rick turned fully to prayer and felt a renewed, divine call to ministry. Gaye and Gigi both recovered, and Rick dedicated the rest of his life to serving God. Rick began his ministry at Sunnylane Baptist Church in Midwest City. During this time, he and Gaye welcomed two more children, Gini Gaybrielle Markham and Geremy Ross Markham. He later pursued seminary studies at Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. Over the decades, Rick faithfully served as lead pastor in churches across Oklahoma, Texas, and Georgia. His service included time at First Baptist Fox, New Hope Baptist in Mansfield, and First Baptist Seymour, where he was serving when their fifth child, Roger Drew Markham, was born, completing the family of seven. Rick also served at First Baptist Perry. Later, he spent 17 years at Mt. Zion Baptist in Snellville, which was his longest and most beloved pastorate. In the later years of his ministry, Rick focused on "Churches in Crisis," helping congregations through periods of transition and healing. He especially cherished his time serving at Beulah Baptist and Grace Baptist, both in Georgia. Even in retirement, Rick remained active in ministry and continued to be a source of wisdom and joy to many. He and Gaye supported special events at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Marietta, GA, where Gaye served as Director of Adult and Children Ministries. Their daughter, Gini, lovingly helped care for Rick in his later years, allowing Gaye to continue her service until her retirement in 2022.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Roger Markham; his daughter, Gigi Richelle Locke; and his grandson, Weston Greer Markham. He is survived by his beloved wife, Gaye; their five children: • Richard Davis Markham II and wife Katie. Grandchildren: Betsy Robles (husband Josh; great-grandchildren Charlie and Lucy), and Richard "Davis" Markham III • Gigi Richelle Locke (deceased), son-in-law Patrick Locke, and his wife Marion. Grandchildren: Madison Wilson (husband Caleb; great-grandson James "Connor"), Camden Locke, Kalin Valone, Braxton Locke, Isabella Valone, Kobe Valone, Emerson Locke (Owen Carnes), and Kolton Valone • Gini Gaybrielle Markham • Geremy Ross Markham and wife Courtney. Grandchildren: Kendall Davis (husband Jussely), Ella Claire Markham, Hudson Markham, and Colten Markham • Roger Drew Markham He is also survived by his sister, Lynne Ann Word (husband David); sister-in-law, Lucy Markham; and sisters-in-law Betsy Newton (husband George) and Nancy Purdy (husband Steve); as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Rick will be remembered for his deep love of family, his joy in a good round of golf or a quiet day fishing, and his unwavering loyalty to OU football, especially when they were winning. He had a soft spot for milkshakes, a deep curiosity for history, and an open heart when it came to sharing Jesus with anyone willing to listen. Rick was proudly known as the "fun uncle" and the "cool pastor," and was affectionately called "Sister Rick" by his in-laws. His booming laugh, well-worn catchphrases, and preacher jokes lit up every room he entered. We could not have asked for a better husband, father, brother, and Poppa. Rick's legacy is one of faith, compassion, humor, and unshakable love. A Celebration of a Life Well Lived will be held at Hightower Baptist Church in Ball Ground, GA, on July 25, 2025, at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rick's memory to Mission:Dignity, an organization that supports retired Southern Baptist ministers and their families-a cause close to Rick and Gaye's hearts. https://www.guidestone.org/mission-dignity To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Richard, please visit our Tree Store.