HAMBURG — John William Ricks,
79, of Hamburg, died Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at the Ashley County Medical Center in Crossett. Mr. Ricks was a native of Snyder and a lifelong resident of Hamburg.
He graduated from Portland High School in 1961 and continued his education at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, having graduated in 1964. Mr. Ricks was a math teacher and coach in Arkansas and Texas for over 40 years. His passion for teaching always led him to go above and beyond when it came to helping and tutoring children. Mr. Ricks was a member of the Rolfe Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. He never met a stranger, always had a joke to tell, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching sports, working his sawmill and working in his yard.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry William and Vera Sedberry Ricks; three brothers, Jimmy C. Ricks, Jake Ricks, and Eugene Ricks.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dian Cruce Ricks of Hamburg; a son, David Ricks and wife, Janet, of Hamburg; a sister, Christine Hobbs and husband, Robert, of Longview, Texas; three brothers, Bobby Ricks and wife, Jo, of Columbus, Miss., J.M. Ricks and wife, Judy, of Fountain Hill, and Fred Ricks of Crossett; two brothers-in-law, John Allen Cruce and Jerry Cruce and wife, Sharon, all of Prairie Grove; two grandchildren, Luke Ricks of Hamburg and Brandi Ricks of West Monroe, La.; three great-grandchildren, Alex, Liam, and Logan; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are 2 p.m., Friday, February 17, 2023, at the Rolfe Chapel Freewill Baptist Church with Bro. Carlton White and Bro. Dale Doss officiating. Burial will be in the Prairie Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers are Jim Wells, Jim Burgess, Robert Rush, Todd Daley, Dea Hill, and Bubba Stafford. Honorary pallbearers are Shelby Harrod, Doug Gore, Steve McDonald, Dr. Kenneth Prather,
Jimmy Gillum, Johnny Pierce, and Billy Bart Willis. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home of Hamburg, Arkansas. Online guestbook, www.jones-hartshorn.com Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.