James Douglas Ricks Jr.

Services for James Douglas “J. D.” Ricks Jr., 73, of Ochlocknee are at 3 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, at First Baptist Church Sanctuary in Thomasville. Pastor Jerry Rewis will officiate and interment is in Ochlocknee City Cemetery. Pallbearers are Bo Wainright, Jason Smith, Brandon Singletary, Ashton Singletary, Steve Lawler and Renny Thompson. Honorary pallbearers are Thomas County Sheriff’s Department Deputies. Mr. Ricks died Nov. 4, at his home. Born April 18, 1941, in Cairo, Ga., he was a son of the late James Douglas Ricks Sr. and Dorothy Brinson Ricks. He was retired from Thomas County Sheriff’s Department (17 years). On Sept. 5, 1964, in Ochlocknee, he married Wanda Gail Swindle and they were married for 50 years. He was a member of American Legion Post 265 and named the National Exchange Club Peace Officer of the Year in 1986. He served six years in the U.S. National Guard and member of Springhill Christian Church. He loved quail hunting, cooking, he was an avid fisherman and was featured in several magazines, known for his Ochlocknee River fishing. Known for serving chicken pilau and loved riding Harley Davidson motorcycles. He was the mayor of Ochlocknee for a few years. Survivors include his wife, Wanda G. Ricks of Ochlocknee; daughters, Katrina Gail Ricks Taylor (Gary Eugene), Melody Michelle Ricks Capps (Donnie) all of Ochlocknee; son, James Douglas Ricks III “Jake” (Roxane Smith) of Ochlocknee; brother, Jimmy Lamar Ricks (Marjorie Owens) of Boston; grandchildren, Regina Nichole “Niki” Smith (Jason), Bo Wainright (Kristy Smith Wainright), Judith Whitney Molitor (Steve), Devon James Green, Hannah Marie Smith; eight grandchildren, Hannah Madison Smith, Avigail Hope Wainright, “Ty” Tyler Randall Smith, Charles Bo Wainright, Ella Grace Smith, Bella Esther Molitor, Joi Naomi Molitor, Ezekiel James Molitor “Zeke”; and his little buddy Buster (his Boston Terrier). Sign the register book on-line at www.whiddonshiverfuneralhome.com. — Whiddon-Shiver Funeral Home