Obituary of Robert Ricks

Robert Edward Ricks, Sr., 94, died Monday, October 31, 2011 in Georgetown, SC. He was born in a logging camp in Piney Green, NC, a son of the late Jesse G. Ricks and the late Lillie Johnson Ricks on May 1, 1917. He grew up in Conway and graduated from Conway High School. He joined the Conservation Civilian Corp and helped build Myrtle Beach State Park. Mr. Ricks moved to Georgetown in 1935 to manage Scurry’s Store #1 on Front Street. When International Paper began construction of the Georgetown Mill, he began a 42-year career with them. He was a supervisor in the Power Plant and Pulp Mill for a number of years. He was a member of Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church and the Battery White Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Mr. Ricks was also a member of the Ancient Free Masons Winyah Lodge #40 for 60 years. In 1952 he acquired a farm on Highway 521 where he raised his family and named it "Stumpy Lonesome". He loved farming and gardening and always had a variety of farm animals which he always enjoyed sharing with school children who often visited his farm. Mr. Ricks was a member of the Nation Rifle Association and an avid antique gun collector. After retiring from International Paper, he started crafting black powder rifles. He hand carved and crafted approximately 23 guns and many were made from curley maple grown on his farm. He is survived by his son, Dr. Robert E. Ricks, Jr. (Gerri) of The Villages, FL and his daughter, Margaret Ann Ricks Elliott (Jimmy) of Georgetown, three grandsons, Andrew S. Elliott (BeBe) of Myrtle Beach, Major Robert E. Ricks, III (Alex) of Fort Riley, KS and Jeffery A. Ricks (Crystal) of Orangeburg, SC and seven great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Margaret Buie Ricks and his grandson Rick Alan Elliott. A graveside service will be held at 2PM Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at Elmwood Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Edward G. Usher officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Memorials may be made to Duncan Memorial Methodist Church, 901 Highmarket Street, Georgetown, SC 29440 or Lakewood Baptist Church, 171 Lakewood Avenue, Georgetown, SC 29440. The family would like to express their gratitude to Morningside Assisted Living and Prince George Healthcare Center for their compassionate loving care.