George Anderson Ricks, born August 5, 1939, to Thomas Artis and Emma Ricks in Sedley, Virginia peacefully passed away at home on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

George grew up in Sedley, VA before moving to Portsmouth, VA. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he proudly served his country for 20 years before retiring.  Following his military career, George found a new mission in life: helping individuals with disabilities. As the CFO of ECHO, a nonprofit organization in Leesburg, VA, George dedicated his post-military career to ensuring that people with disabilities had the resources and support they needed to thrive. His work at ECHO was more than a job—it was a calling. He was deeply committed to empowering individuals to achieve their personal, social, and economic goals.

A man of faith, George dedicated much of his time during retirement to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He was known for his unwavering commitment to his community and his willingness to help others wherever possible. His kindness, devotion, and warm presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In George's later years, he and his late wife, Jean, moved to Atlanta, Georgia to be closer to their son, Shawn, and their beloved granddaughters. While living in Atlanta, George still enjoyed Sunday service from Mt. Pleasant, faithfully watching it on YouTube and singing along with the choir after enjoying a hearty breakfast.

George (affectionately known as "Daddy") had a deep love for home-cooked meals, and his family made sure to spoil him with luscious soul food dishes, always topped off with a delicious ice cream dessert, which was his favorite. George loved listening to music from the 70's era and dancing around the house reminiscing on wonderful times with his cousin Joe and friends.  George was well known for being a sharp dresser and could often be found enjoying weekend outings at the mall or enjoying a nice manicure—small pleasures that brought him joy.

George lived a peaceful, well-deserved life, surrounded by love and care from his family. As a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and cousin, he embodied warmth and compassion, making him someone everyone adored. His fun-loving, gentle spirit touched the hearts of all who knew him, and his laughter and stories will be fondly remembered. We will miss his kind-hearted nature, his encouraging words, and the way he always made people feel special. Not a day will pass that we won't think of him, but we find comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his loving wife, Jean, watching over us from above. His legacy of love and joy will forever remain in our hearts, and that brings us peace.

George and his late wife of 45 years, Jean Ricks, shared many wonderful years together, nurturing their family and building lasting memories. He leaves behind his sons Shawn, Alonzo, and Thomas; grandsons Alonzo Ricks Jr., Jovon Ricks, and Monté Windley; granddaughters Tawanda Windley, Danika Key, Bria Ricks, and Myla Ricks; as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Nannie Jean Ricks, and grandson T.J. McDonald.