GLADYS (HANBACK) RAGAN , 82, of Decatur,Mrs. Ragan was a faithful member of Beltline Church of Christ. She was a wonderful cook and made all the pies for Singleton’s restaurant for 25 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, William H. Ragan; and son, William D. Ragan. She is survived by two daughters, Patricia A. Mitchell of Florence and Glenda L. LeMay and husband, Rodger, of Decatur; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Ray Hanback and wife, Sue, of Killen and Billy Joe Hanback and wife, Jane, of Florence. Pallbearers will be her grandsons and one nephew.

MARY ETHEL (RICHARDSON) RAST , 83, Route 1, died Wednesday, July 13, 1988, at Humana Hospital, Florence, Ala. She was a Baptist and a native of Hardin County, but had resided in Lauderdale County, Ala., most of her life. The funeral will be 11:30 a.m., Friday at Elkins Funeral Home Chapel, Florence, with the Rev. V.H. Gean officiating. Burial will be in Rogers Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Survivors include a son, H.C. Richardson, Savannah; daughter-in-law, Mae Rose Richardson, brothers, Bradley Richardson, Lexington, Ala., Frank Richardson, Florence; sisters, Clara Rast, Florence; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily, Florence, AL

IDA VIRGINIA (HENDRIX) REVOD , 94, Florence, Ala., died Tuesday, March 10, 1998, at Glenwood Convalescent Center, after an extended illness. Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. today at Greenview Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Stoney Point Church of “Christ, with burial in Stoney Point Cemetery. Mrs. Revod will be placed in the church one hour before the service. Officiating at the funeral will be Mike Brumley, Lance Cordle and Glenn Richardson. She was a native and lifelong resident of Lauderdale County. She is survived by her daughters, Ruby Jaynes, Trilby Comer, Joy Cordle, and Norma Fisher, all of Florence, Ala., Jo Keeton, Monroe, La.; 19 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Revod was preceded in death by her husband, Newbern Wesley Revod. Pallbearers will include grandsons; Joseph Keeton, Larry Jaynes, Gary Cordle, Brian Fisher, Wayne Jaynes, Lance Cordle, Darren Fisher. Honorary pallbearers: Ray McGee, Glenn McGee, R.V. Hendrix, Junior Moore, Grady Moore, Allen McClure, Alvin McClure. Mrs. Revod was a member of Stoney Point Church of Christ. She was a homemaker and dearly loved by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and was the last surviving sibling of 10 born to Rufus “Bud” and Lorena Polk Hendrix. Greenview Funeral Home of Florence directing.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily/Thursday, March 12, 1998

ICIE BERNICE RICHARDSON , 89, of Decatur, Ga., formerly of Decatur, Ala., died Wednesday, April 19, 2006. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 21, 2006, in Spruce Pine Cemetery. Officiating at the service will be Charles Daniel She was born in Hodges, Ala., on Sept. 6, 1916. She is survived by her son, Steven Douglas Isom (Nancy Monahan Isom), Decatur, Ga.; daughter, Jonel Isom Daniel (Charles Adren Daniel), Fort Myers, Fla.; brothers, Lester Porter, Russellville, Ala., Arnold Porter (Foree Henson Porter), Hartselle, Ala.; grandchildren, Lisa LaNell Daniel, Fort Myers, Fla., James Christopher Daniel (Melinda Sharp Daniel), Florence, AL., Timothy Steven Maurice Ison, Jackson, Miss., Megan Kathleen Isom, Atlanta, Ga., Lindsay Elizabeth Isom, Decatur, Ga.; stepchildren; step grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husbands, James Clifford Isom and Harris Richardson; parents, A.L. and Maggie Dee Porter; sister, Bracie Porter Isom (Loyt Isom); sister-in-law, Artie Lou Malone Porter; brothers, Leonard Porter (Jessie Mae Spears Porter) and Rather Porter (Nellie Isom Porter). She was a retired nurse, having worked at Decatur General Hospital, Decatur, Ala, and Humana Hospital, Decatur, Ala., and Humana Hospital, Florence, Ala. Akins Funeral Home, Russellville, is directing.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily

AMOS RICKARD JR , 86, of Lexington, Ala., died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2002, at ECM Hospital after an extended illness. He was a Florence, Ala., native and retired from Florence Packing Co. He was a member of Plainview Church of Christ. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Visitation was 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2002 at Green Hill Funeral Home. A graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Jan. 31, 2002, at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens, with C.W. Stevenson and Jim tucker officiating. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mae Agnes Redding Rickard, Lexington, Ala.; sons, Amos Rexford Rickard, Florence, Ala., David Wayne Rickard, Lexington, Ala.; daughters, Peggy Ann Dalrymple and husband, Harold, Batesville, Miss., Irish Diane Smith, Greenhill, Ala., Kathy Jane Staggs and husband, Han k, Leighton, Ala., Debra Lynn Jones and husband, Doyle L. Killen, Ala.; sister, Maebell Haun, Florence, Ala.; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Amos Pink Rickard Sr. and Alice Lee Cox Rickard; brother, Homer Rickard; sisters, Maud Wamsley, Mallie Young, Lillie Rickard, Nannie Mae Redding, Lena Copeland and Eula Hudson. He was a member of Company B 55th Armored Engineer Battalion and received the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, with two Bronze Stars. Pallbearers will be Eddie Smith, Dale Parrish, A. Shane Smith, Ricky Hudson and Tim Dalrymple. Full military rites at graveside service. Green Hill Funeral Home, Greenhill, is in charge of funeral arrangements.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily, Florence, AL

ANNIE SUE (TUCKER) RICKARD , 87, Florence died Saturday, March 28, 1998. Visitation will be from 2-3 p.m., Sunday, March 29, at Spry Funeral Home, Florence. The funeral will follow at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with burial in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens, Officiating at the funeral will be the Rev. George Warren and the Rev. Dr. Roger Reid. She is survived by her sons, Lee A. Rickard, and wife Elizabeth, Florence; sisters, Lutie Thornton, Florence; Dannie Liles, Florence; grandchildren, Michael l. Rickard, and wife Holly, Florence; Rhonda R. Burns, and husband Michael, Florence; three great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Elmer L. Rickard. Pallbearers will include James Newbern, Dan Thornton, Donald Behel, D.C. Behel, Bob Rickard and Lewis Gresham. Mrs. Rickard was retired from K-Mart and was a member of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Florence.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily/Sunday, March 29, 1998

ELMER L. RICKARD , 91, Florence, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 1998. Visitation was Wednesday evening at Spry Funeral Home, Florence. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. today at the funeral home chapel, with burial in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens. Officiating at the funeral will Bro. J.B. Burns. He was a native of Lauderdale County. He is survived by his wife, Annie Sue Rickard, Florence; son, Lee A. Rickard, and wife Elizabeth, Florence; sisters, Olivia Miner and Vera Behel, both of Florence, Marie Pigg, Tullahoma, Tenn.; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will include Donald Behel, D.C. Behel, James Newbern, George Rickard, Bob Rickard and Glen Rikard. He was a retired farmer, and a member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Carpenters Local No. 107.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily/Thursday, January 15, 1998

GARY WAYNE RICKARD , 42, Florence, died Thursday, June 18, 1998, at his residence following an extended illness. Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. today at Elkins Funeral Home, Florence. The funeral will be Monday at 10 a.m. at Elkins Funeral Home chapel, with burial in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens. Officiating at the funeral will be Bro. James A. Hendrix. Mr. Rickard was a lifelong resident of Lauderdale County. He was a member of Woodlawn Church of Christ and an electrician with IBEW Local 558. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a loving son and brother and will be missed by all. He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Rickard. He is survived by his mother, ruby Rickard, Florence; sister, Mary Yarbrough, Cullman; brothers, William Rickard, Greenhill, James David Rickard, Spotsylvania, Va., George D. Rickard, Florence; five nephews; three nieces; aunts, uncles and cousins. Pallbearers will include Dyrell Foster, Ed Flippo, Robert Kilburn, Ralph Thompson, Chuck Killen, Ricky Richardson. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 130 S. Poplar Street, Florence, Ala. 35630”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily/Sunday, June 21, 1998

HOWARD SIDNEY RICKARD , In loving memory of Howard Sidney Rickard, who passed onto a better life Thursday, March 23, 2000, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law and uncle. Retired Naval Chief Petty Officer of 26 years, he not only served his country with honor and pride, but gave all to his wife, family and friends. God has taken you home to rest, but we will always be together. Rest in peace Howard, we love and miss you so much. Visitation will be at Elkins East Chapel, Center Star, Ala., 6-9 p.m. today. The funeral will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at Elkins East Chapel with burial in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens. Officiating will be Coleman Barnett, Elkins East Chapel is assisting the family. He is survived by his wife, Ann Rickard, Center Star, Ala.; daughter, Deborah Speegle and husband, Gary, Center Star, Ala.; sisters, Billie Jean Smith and Rothie Cooper, both of Florence, Ala., and Nancy Divinci, Cincinnati, Ohio; brothers, Robert, Joe, Jerry and Thomas Rickard, all of Florence, Ala.; grandchildren, Kevin Rickard, Andrew Dotson, Sidney and Tiffany Speegle, Randolph and Jennifer Speegle, and a number of nieces and nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be grandson, Kevin Rickard, brothers, Robert, Joe, Jerry and Thomas Rickard, Dr. William Heaton, and Dr. Lyman Mitchell.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily, Florence, AL

J. T. RICKARD , 85, Florence, Ala., died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999, after a brief illness. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today at Greenview. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Greenview Funeral Home chapel with burial in Greenview Memorial Park. Officiating at the funeral will be Kenny Barfield. Mr. Rickard was a native of Lauderdale County. He is survived by his sons, Kenneth Rickard and wife, Ann, Florence, Ala., Larry Rickard and wife, Tina, Sanford, N.C.; daughters, Deloris Rickard, Florence, Ala. Elaine Kilburn and husband, Jim, Florence, Ala.; four sisters, Catherine Jaynes, Sacramento, Calif., Earline Thomas, Sacramento, Calif., Aline Kilburn, Florence, Ala., Margaret Montalbano, Mobile, Ala.; three brothers Glenn Rickard, Florence, Ala., Blevie Rickard, Tullahoma, Tenn., Herson Rickard, Birmingham, Ala.; 11 grandchildren, Wendy Riner, Cindy Liles, Jennifer Tice, Beth Wallace, Donna Tadlock, Barry Rickard, Van Rickard, Tim Kilburn, Chris Kilburn, Larry Rickard Jr. and Robbie Rickard; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Mr. Rickard was preceded in death by his wife, Nola Butler Rickard. Pallbearers will include grandsons. Mr. Rickard was retired from Textile manufacturing. He was a member of Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ and the Lions Club. Greenview Funeral Home of Florence directing.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Daily/Thursday, November 18, 1999

JAMES E. RICKARD , age 82, of Florence, passed away on Friday, March 2, 2001, at 10 p.m. at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital. Mr. Rickard was a resident of Florence for 82 years. He was one of the founders of Little League baseball in Florence and one of the owners of the Florence Raiders baseball team. Mr. Rickard was the owner of Dusty Joe’s Restaurant in Florence and of Coffee Time. He was a member of Central Baptist Church and a past Potentate, in 1980, of the Cahaba Temple of the Shrine in Huntsville. Mr. Rickard also was a member of the Elk’s Lodge and a number of other organizations. A funeral service for Mr. Rickard will be held Monday at 1:30 p.m. at Central Baptist Church, with Brother Bill Harper officiating. Burial will follow at Greenview Memorial Park in Florence. The casket will lie in state at the church from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. The family will receive friends today from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Elkins Funeral Home of Florence is assisting the family. Survivors include his wife, Betty Yocum Rickard; two daughters, Hilma Cothren and husband, Stan, of Hot Springs, Ark., and Becky Wear and husband, Jimmie, of Florence; two sons James L. Rickard and wife, Ann, and Thomas E. Rickard and wife, Susie, all of Florence; seven grandchildren; and eight-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be past Potentates of the Cahaba Temple of the Shrine. All members of Mr. Rickard’s Sunday school class at Central Baptist Church will serve as honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Cahaba Temple of the Shrine in Huntsville or to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily News, Florence, AL

JANE ANN RICKARD , 62, Florence, died Saturday, Dec. 29, 2001, at Glenwood Rehabilitation Center. The graveside service will be Monday, Dec. 31, 2001, at 3 p.m. at Tri-Cities Memorial gardens, with Brother Greg Woodall officiating. She was a native of Colbert County, having lived in Lauderdale County most of her life. She was a member of First Assembly of God, Florence. Mrs. Rickard was well known by her friends and customers as Granny. Survivors include her mother, Aleta McCorkle, Florence; daughters and their husbands, Waverly Dollar Ward and husband, Keith, Lexington, Johanna Dollar Greider and husband, Bruce, Killen, Amanda Dollar Simpson and husband, Stan, Florence; grandchildren, Johanna Ward, Kathy Ward, Veronica Ward, Camille Greider, Jacob Greider. Also survived are special friends, Leroy Clement, Geraldine Bare and Jean Mitchell. In lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Shoals, 115 Fairgrounds Road, Florence, AL 35630. Spry Serenity Chapel, Florence, is directing.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason Times Daily, Florence, AL

MATTIE MAE (CANERDY) RICKARD , 82, Florence, died Thursday, Nov. 18, 1999, after an extended illness. Visitation will be 9-10 a.m. Saturday at Greenview. The graveside funeral will be 10 a.m. Saturday in Greenview Memorial Park with the Revs. Graham Edwards and Carey Collum officiating. Mrs. Rickard was a native and lifelong resident of Lauderdale County. She is survived by her daughters, Clenda Weir and husband, Marvin, Kay Staggs and husband, Hoyt, Florence; brother, Arthur Lee Canerdy, Florence; five grandchildren, Patrick Weir and Beth Weir, Florence, Clay Staggs and wife, Kimberly, Tuscaloosa, Tata Staggs and Joshua Staggs, Florence; one great-granddaughter, Anna-grace; and a number of nieces and nephews. Mrs. Rickard was preceded in death by her husband, Guy E. Rickard; brothers, Marvin Canerdy and James Canerdy; and a sister, Lela Perkins. Pallbearers include David Threet, Bill Bowen, Grady Lake, Patrick Weir, Leon Wesson and Matt Wright. Honorary pallbearers include Earnest Goad and nephews. Mrs. Rickard was a member of the Parkway Methodist Church and the Order of the Eastern Stat No. 195.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily, Florence, AL

PAUL "RICKY" RICKARD - Local Musician, Ricky Rickard, age 56, of Columbus, MS, passed away on October 9, 2010 at Baptist Memorial Hospital. Mr. Rickard donated his remains to science for further cancer research. A memorial is planned for Friday, October 15, 2010, at 6:00 PM at the Living Faith Tabernacle on Shelton Street, just off of Hwy 50 in Columbus. Ricky was born February 3, 1954, in Reform, AL to the late Paul Rickard and the late Beatrice Rickard of Florence, AL. Surviving Ricky is his wife, Linda Rickard, his son Alex Rickard, one granddaughter, Bree Rickard, 4 sisters, Geri Thomas of Nashville,, TN, Ann Fowler and Elaine McClusky, both of Columbus, and Sharon Spatazza of Winter Springs, FL, and 2 brothers, Bobby Rickard and Ronnie Rickard also of Columbus. Ricky's Musical Career started back in the early 70's. He played drums for several local bands such as Odessa, Sly Willie, Alias Five and Dixie Rush, just to name a few. He also played in warm up bands for big names such as Aaron Tippon, BB King, Ace Cannon and Mark Collie. He also had the opportunity to play with Percy Sledge while he was performed at the Sharecropper Club when it was still in operation. Ricky came from a musical famiy in which many family members either sing or play insturments. Ricky's father belonged to a band called "Paul Rickard and the Stringsters" and he's in the AL Country Music Hall of Fame. For Ricky's short life, he accomplished a great deal. His is loved and will be missed.
Contributed by Jim Foster - Message Board

TOMMIE FAYE (RUSSELL) RICKARD - age 73, of Florence, passed away Friday, July 8, 2011, after an extended illness. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today at Elkins Funeral Home, of Florence. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 11, 2011, at Elkins Funeral Home chapel in Florence, with Stanley Minor officiating. Burial will be in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be nephews. Tommie is survived by husband, Clifford Edsel Rickard; two sons, Randy Hendon and special family friend, Gene Stone, and Tim Hendon and wife, Mary; two stepsons, Chis Rickard and wife, Campbell, and Sam Rickard and wife, Dolores; one sister, Bobbie Phillips and husband, Bill; two grandchildren, Brooklyn and Justin Hendon; two stepgrandchildren, Alex and Nicole Rickard. Mrs. Rickard was preceded in death by her first husband, George Hendon; children, Cynthia Diane Hendon and Gregory Thomas Hendon; parents, James Thomas and Velma Hughes Russell; brother, Paris Russell; sisters, Dorothy Minor, Helen English, Nadine Keenum. Tommie attended Jackson Heights Church of Christ of Florence. She revisited her youth with the birth of her grandchildren and knew no limits to ensure their happiness. The family would like to thank Claudia with Amedysis Hospice and Keller Landing for their outstanding care. Elkins Funeral Home would like to invite you to sign the online register at elkinsfh.com.
Contributed by "Pop"

ALBERT NATHAN RIKARD , 66, Waterloo, died Wednesday, Aug. 11, at Huntsville Hospital. Graveside service was Friday, Aug. 13 in Greenview Memorial Park with Claudie Jones and David Conley Officiating. Mr. Rikard was a native of Franklin County. Survivors include his wife, Gearldine Rikard; mother, Mattie King, daughters, Jacqueline Hodge, Sheffield, and Jennifer Rikard, Haleyville; brother, Athel Rikard, Florence; sisters, Dorothia Fisher, Tuscumbia, Darlene Dean, Muscle Shoals, and betty King, Lexington; and two grandchildren.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - East Lauderdale News, Rogersville, AL

TERRELL EZZELL RIKARD , the youngest in her family, born Jan. 14, 1925, in Belgreen, Ala., died Nov. 30, 2009, at Huntsville Hospital. She is survived by her son, James Robert Rikard; daughter-in-law, Jessica Terrell Rikard; and a number of loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Owen Rikard; her father, Robert Terrell Ezzell; mother, Ruth Victoria Hester Ezzell; brothers, Neal Ezzell and Paul Ezzell; and sisters, Lorene Ezzell Hester, Lois Ezzell Strickland and Chess Ezell McKinney. She was longtime member of Lincoln Church of Christ and a retired nurse. She worked at Fifth Avenue Hospital and for several doctors in Huntsville, Ala. She was a member of DAR. Funeral arrangements : Berryhill Funeral Home, North Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, Ala. Viewing 1-2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, with service at 2 p.m. No graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Madison Academy Choral Department.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily News, Florence, AL

MARY EMELINE ROBBINS , 96, 517 N. Virginia Ave., Florence, died at Mitchell-Hollingsworth Saturday at 8:30 a.m. She was a native of Wayne County, Tenn., had lived in Florence 40 years. She was a member of Royal Avenue Free Will Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held today at 2 p.m. at Royal Avenue Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Doyle Wallace, Rev. Virgil Jeans, and Rev. Dalton Lindsey officiating. Burial will follow in Cromwell Crossroads Cemetery, in Tennessee with Morrison-Elkins of Florence directing. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Clayburn Liles, Florence, Mrs. John Hamm, Florence; a son, Barney Robbins, Montgomery; a brother, Joe Robbins, Lutts, Tenn.; 17 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, a number of nieces and nephews. Grandsons will serve as bearers. The body will be at the home of Clayburn Liles, 517 Virginia Ave., until the funeral hour.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Note: the tomb shows date of birth, 25 Mar. 1872 and death, 17 Aug. 1968

GENEVA MAE RUSSELL , 74, of Phil Campbell, Ala., died Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2000. Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. Thursday. Aug. 24, 2000, at Spry Funeral Home in Russellville. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, 2000, at Mountain View Baptist Church in Phil Campbell, Ala. Sammy Taylor will officiate. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery. She was a native of Phillips County, Ark. She is survived by her husband, J.W. Russell, Phil Campell, Ala.; a son, Mike Russell, Phil Campbell, Ala.; daughters, Paulette Cole, Houston, Texas, and Betty Petrie, West Fork, Ark.; a sister, Florence Whaley, Jacksonville, Ark.; brothers, Ivan Brown and Guss Brown, both of Arkansas, and Jim Brown of Texas; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was a lunch room manager for Phillips County, Ark., schools for 32 years.”
Contributed by Mildred Gean Mason - Times Daily, Florence, AL