Gary Gene Ricketts

AIKEN, SC – GARY GENE RICKETTS, 74, beloved husband of Carolyn Oliver Ricketts, passed away Friday, December 17, 2021 at Aiken Regional Medical Centers.

     Born in Long Beach, CA, Gary was a son of the late Thomas Dewey and Minnie Jo Stewart Ricketts.  He grew up in Littlerock, AR and graduated from The University of Arkansas with a B.A. in Music and a Master’s degree in math.  He was a C131 pilot in the United States Air Force, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel after 22 years of service. After retiring from the Air Force Gary taught ROTC at the University of South Carolina and at Randolph Macon Academy in Front Royal, VA.  Gary then taught math at Midland Valley High School for 11 years and was currently teaching math at Mead Hall Episcopal School.  Gary was an active member of Hillview Baptist Church where he was a former deacon.  He was a member of the choir, played french horn in the church’s orchestra.  He formerly served as the church’s treasurer.  Gary received the Golden Apple Award presented by WJBF Television in 2009-2010 as the Teacher of the Year for the CSRA.

     Surviving, in addition to his wife, Carolyn, include his son, Michael Thomas Ricketts (Audrey), Anacortes, WA; grandchildren, Anna and Kenny Ricketts; his identical twin, Larry Dean Ricketts (Jackie), Griffin, GA, three sisters, Sandra Woodbury (Ross), Benton, AK, Sonya Etchemendy (Dennis), Jacksonville, AK, Denise Meal (Steve), Huntington, IN; three step-children, Leah Anderson (Darryl), North Augusta, James Floyd, Jr. (Renee), North Augusta, Lori Burdeshaw (Jim), Augusta, GA; three step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a step-grandson.

     A memorial service will be held Tuesday afternoon, December 28^th at 2 o’clock at Hillview Baptist Church with The Rev. Mike McAlpin officiating.  Interment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Hillview Baptist Church’s Building Fund, 1974 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Graniteville, SC 29829 or online at www.hillviewchurch.org .

SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC