Ricky Ray Viars

Ricky Ray Viars, 59 years of age, of Pilgrims Knob, VA, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Pikeville Medical Center following an extended illness. Born March 30, 1966, in Richlands, VA, he was the son of Betty Viars and the late Rufus Viars.
Ricky enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, showing and riding horses and playing poker. Most of all he loved spending time with his grandkids. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by his sister Violet Jenelle "Jenny" Viars and best friend Scrappy.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 40 years Deborah Jane Viars of Pilgrims Knob, VA; sons Ricky Adam Viars and wife Amanda of Hale Creek, VA, Brandon Ray Viars of Slate Creek, VA; brothers Michael Lee Viars of Claypool Hill, VA, Rufus Wayne Viars and wife Audree of Compton Mtn., VA and Robert Austin Viars of Compton Mtn., VA.
He is also survived by grandchildren Autumn Belle Viars, Axel Ridge Viars; nieces and nephews Michael Colton Viars, Jordan Wayne Viars, Mickey Ryan Viars, Hunter McKinley Whited and Kanyon Donald Whited.
Funeral services for Ricky Viars will be held Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home, Keen Mountain, VA, with Pastor Billy Harrison officiating. Burial will follow at Viars Family Cemetery, Patterson, VA.
The family request everyone stay after the burial to enjoy one last fish fry and live music with Ricky in his honor.
Pallbearers will be his nephews.
Honorary pallbearers will be Eddie Fletcher, Donnie "the Crappy Man", Jeff Carroll, Glen Mullins, Kevin Vance, Dewayne Hagerman, Fred Stiltner, Mario, John Rowe and a host of special friends.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday at the funeral home beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Online condolences may be sent to www.shortridgeramey.com.
The family of Ricky Ray Viars has entrusted the care of their loved one to Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Keen Mountain, VA.