Mr. Henry R. Ricks age 77, of Roanoke Rapids, NC passed away Sunday, August 23, 2015 at Halifax Regional Medical Center.
Henry was born November 29, 1937 in Northampton County, NC, the son of the late Napolean Ricks and Maude Barnes Ricks. He was also predeceased by his sisters, Mandy Ricks Martin and Hazel Ricks Vinson and her husband Lowell Vinson. His father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dewitt and Maggie Sykes Gay, his brother-in-laws, Merrell Gay and Lynmore Gay and his sister-in-law Linda Jordan Ricks.
On June 28, 1959, in the sanctuary of Galatia Baptist Church, Henry and Joann Gay Ricks were united in Holy Matrimony. Henry and Joann had fifty-six years of love and companionship along with their Boston Terriers, Mac, Sam and Jake.
Henry was ordained as a deacon in Seaboard Baptist Church in 1961, taught youth Sunday School Classes and served as Church Clerk for twenty one years. He served on Church Building and Grounds Committee and was instrumental in building the church fellowship hall in 1977. He was also a trustee. Among his attributes are, excellent farmer from 1965 - 2002, dedicated fireman, Seaboard Fire Department, for twenty-three years and serving as Secretary-Treasurer from 1969 - 1980, Charter member of Northampton County Forestry Association, Served Nine and one half years in the National Guard with an Honorable Discharge, January 15, 1964, Northampton County ASCS Committee for ten years, Seaboard Town Council for eight years, Seaboard Masonic Lodge #378 since February 1, 1960, member of Seaboard Lions Club, NC Farm Bureau crop adjuster, past President of Farmer’s Peanut Market, Inc., member of Woodmen of World since 1956, played leading roles in Bernice Kelly Harris’s plays, playing in Seaboard, Murfreesboro and Chapel Hill.
Henry was a member of Rosemary Baptist Church . He went on a ten day Mission Trip to Alaska.
He is survived by his wife Joann Gay Ricks, his brothers, Jimmy Ricks and Bobby Ricks, his brother-in-law, Dennis Martin and sister-in-law, Sue G. Gay and many beloved nieces, nephews and special friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Rosemary Baptist Church Rev. Randy Martin officiating. Entombment will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids with Masonic Rites.
The family would especially like to thank Henry’s caregivers, Elnora and Peggy and also Dr. Mario Fiorelli for many years of healthcare.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Rosemary Baptist Church, 936 Jackson Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870for The Baptist Children’s Home of North Carolina, Masonic Home for Children, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565, or the Charity of one’s choice.
The family will receive friends at Massey Funeral Home in Roanoke Rapids, NC, Tuesday from 7:00 until 8:30 PM.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting
www.haroldmasseyfuneralhome.com 
