Rickey is the son-in-law of Margaret Ridgell of Monticello, AR, mother of Denise. Rickey was loved and highly respected by her family of sisters, brothers, nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Rickey Courtney was a member of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church where he was a trustee and choir member. Rickey graduated from Monticello High School in 1977. He enjoyed playing basketball and running track while in school.
Rickey spent 20 years as a mechanic at Burlington Industries. Later, he accepted employment with Advantages of Southeast Arkansas, Inc., where he served as a mentor/caregiver. In the Monticello area, Rickey served as a foster parent for over 20 years. Rickey spent a huge portion of his earthly time serving others.
Rickey Courtney, along with Al Peer sponsored and held the 1st ''Back to School Extravaganza for the youth of the Monticello in 1992. Rickey also organized the ''Babe Courtney Softball League'' in Monticello. With the help of his good friend, Dennis Johnson Sr., they sponsored this softball tournament for several years, which drew old and young adult men out to the field. With so many teams participating, some of the games had to be played late into the night.
On June 6, 1995, at Morning Star Baptist Church, Denise Yvonne Ridgell joined Rickey Rochell Courtney at the altar to pledge their wedding vows together. On February 26, 1991, the couple was blessed with a precious baby girl, whom they named Michel'e Rickel Courtney. A few years later, Rickey and Denise shared their home, life, family, and love with two special and cherished daughters: Marisha Levine (Euphrates) & Shelby Mays, just a few years Shelby's daughter Kimani Leggs, was born and became the apple of Rickey's eyes. Rickey was so elated to witness Marisha and Euphrates' wedding. Through the years, Rickey got to spend a lot of time with some of his neighborhood nieces and nephews: Corey, Donald, Eric, DeNesha, CJ, Jacorious, & Renaldo. Rickey stayed connected with all of his nieces' and nephews' endeavors and accomplishments no matter how far or near.
In the Monticello community, Rickey equipped himself to serve as a father figure and a coach to a number of young youth, especially those who played on his PeeWee Basketball team, Lil League Baseball team, or AAU team(s). Rickey spent time picking up his players for practice and again to play ball and returning them back home. Along the way, he fed them and gave them a sense of belonging. He taught them team respect and good sportsmanship.
Rickey was extremely proud of the ''A's Team''. This was the year that Rickey was able to coach (2) of his nephews and also won the championship that year. Rickey also took pride in coaching his first peewee basketball team of girls called the ''JAZZ''. Rickey spent a lot of time teaching them the fundamentals and lessons of life.
Rickey also found time to showcase his skills to his family and friends with his cooking talents. On many days, you could find Rickey in the family's kitchen mixing, beating, blending, or whipping up a pound cake, lemon icebox pie, baked beans, Mexican cornbread, dressing, or ribs & chicken which were some of his favorite dishes to prepare.
Rickey was the owner of ''Simply The Best BBQ'' And it was just that! ''Simply The Best BBQ.'' On the right day, you could count on getting a taste of some of those delicious foods that were prepared on a regular basis for employees of the Monticello Police Department and the Burlington Industries, as well as for community supporters who loved good food. Ricky also enjoyed watching Saturday Morning Cooking Channels.
In support of relaxation: Ricky found time to watch Family Feud with Steve Harvey and Swamp People. He enjoyed fishing with his buddies, visiting with his good friends, Bo Ferrell, Tommy Daniels, and many more. His overall passion was spending time with his family.
Ricky is survived by his loving daughters: Michel'e Courtney of the home. Marisha Levine (Euphrates) of Little Rock and Shelby Mays and her daughter, Kimani Leggs of Little Rock. Ricky is further survived by his devoted and cherished wife: Denise Yvonne Courtney of thirty-six years.
His siblings: Becky Daniels of Monticello, AR, Beverly Thomas of Little Rock, AR, Rev. Dewayne Courtney (Essie) of Little Rock, AR; Rev. Sam Wherry (Dorothy) of Little Rock, AR & John Wesley Hubbard of Monticello, AR. His aunts: Eartha Veasey, Monticello, AR; Doris Davis, Warren, AR; JoAnnWeaver, Little Rock, AR; Alice Williams (Alex) of Tulsa, OK & Jacqueline Thompson, McKinney, TX. One Uncle: Bobby Courtney (Jewelette) of Pine Bluff, AR.
Brother-in-law: Charles Ridgell, Jr. Monticello, AR. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, class of 1977, co-workers, and mentees that he served.
Condolences(15)
Rickie Donham
Monticello, AR Saturday, April 16, 2022 My thoughts and prayers for the familyBridgett Harris
fountain Hill, AR Saturday, April 16, 2022 Denise " Look toward the hills which cometh your help"; With love and my deepest sympathy. Bridgettodell and jewell davis
Monticello, AR Friday, April 15, 2022 praying for comfort to the familyShelby Williams
Little Rock, AR Friday, April 15, 2022 Dewayne Courtney and Family. Classmate please accept my deepest sympathy in the passing of Rickey. May condolences bring you comfort and may prayers ease the hurt of your pain.Sheila Harris
Milwakee, WI Friday, April 15, 2022 I know words can't take away the hurt you are feeling but I want you to know how much I care. We are blessed in that cherished memories of Ricky will be with us forever.Sending you love and strength in this time of loss. You are are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Your cousin,
Sheila Harris
Marilyn E Matthews
Sherwood, AR Friday, April 15, 2022 To the Courtney/Ridgell Family: God be with you all during this time. Will be praying for your strength. Much Love!!! The Matthews FamilyDiane Avery
Monticello, AR Friday, April 15, 2022 To the Courtney familyMy heart is sadden to hear of Ricky loss. He was such a nice person, he would always have good conversation about the Lord, and his family, and the fun we had in high school, and how they won the championship basketball game in 1976 against Dumas. Ricky love being a foster parent, he was so good with the kids he fostering in their home. Ricky will be missed. May God give the family comfort and strength. RIP
Lila loveless
Hot Springs National Park, AR Thursday, April 14, 2022 Denise I was hoping this wasn't your Ricky. My heart goes out to you and your family.Pat Scifres Montgomery
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 14, 2022 So very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Melanie Rawls
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 13, 2022 I’m speechless. God is in control . Prayers for the familySandra Witherspoon
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 13, 2022 Ricky, you will always be in my heart and prayers. I will miss you being my great spiritual partner. You were a true believer in the Word and you communicated that through your actions. God knows best, even when we don't seem to understand. All of us have an appointed time and God is in charge. He picked you out from among the best and has taken you home to rest.Much Love to your wife, Denise and daughter ,Michel'le. We will miss you dearly.
Sharon Shook McIntyre
MONTICELLO, AR Tuesday, April 12, 2022 Denise & Family,I am sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Sharon
Barbara Benton
Monticello, AR Monday, April 11, 2022 You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Ricky was always a kind hearted classmate. 🙏🙏Angelisa (Angie) Harris
Chicago, IL Monday, April 11, 2022 Denise, Michelle, Becky, Beverly, Dewayne and other Family,In your mourning the passing of Ricky I know your heart is filled with cracks that only God can fill. I pray that in time your mourning will lead to a new morning filled with God’s comfort and joy for the blessing that he placed in your life with Ricky.
With deepest sympathy, fond memories and love from across the miles. Your cousin,
Angelisa (Angie) Harris
Terry and almeta Miller
Monticello, AR Saturday, April 9, 2022