Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks

Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks, 30, a devoted husband, son, grandson, and South Carolina Highway Patrolman, entered into eternal rest on August 13, 2025 four days after being hit by a vehicle while performing a traffic stop. A man of deep faith, pure heart, and unwavering commitment to his family, Dennis will be remembered as a gentle giant who led with patience, humility, and kindness.

Born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Dennis had a heart for service and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others. He graduated from West Florence High School in Florence, SC, and went on to attend Florence-Darlington Technical College and the University of South Carolina in Columbia.

In 2023, Dennis achieved his dream of becoming a South Carolina State Trooper. To him, wearing the uniform was a calling, not simply a career. He believed being a trooper meant living with integrity, serving the community in its most difficult moments, and leading with responsibility and compassion. His colleagues admired him and his family cherished the love and devotion he gave so freely.

Outside of his service, Dennis loved going to the movies, playing video games, and spending meaningful time with his family. Above all, Dennis was devoted to his wife, Jade Michelle Riley Ricks, with whom he shared seven years of love and partnership, including three years of marriage. Together, they built a bond grounded in respect, joy, and faithfulness. His wife fondly remembers the steadfast love he showed her each day, the countless ways he proved his devotion, and his strength of character that never wavered.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jade Michelle Riley Ricks; his mother, Dr. Traesa Brown; his grandparents, Bonnie David and Barbara Brown; his parents-in-law, Amanda Brayboy and Michael Riley; his brother-in-law, Bryce Brayboy; his sister-in-laws, McKenzie Brayboy and Nayeli Mondragon; and niece, Noelani "Noel" Brayboy.

He is also lovingly remembered by his aunts and uncles, including former U.S. Congresswoman Corrine Brown, Margaret Manning, Troy (Veronica) Moore, Terrence (Herlena) Moore, Shawon Meyers, Reginald (Audrey) Moore, Kevin Moore, James Washington, and Rebecca Washington; and cousins, James Robert Kai Washington, Malina Washington, Kenneth Washington and Lelani Washington.

He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Benton; great-grandmother, Delia Pearl Covington, and his great-great-grandmother, Sarah Mae Morris.

Dennis Ricks’ visitation will take place Tuesday, August 19 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home, located at 3926 Devine Street, Columbia, SC.

His funeral service will be held Wednesday, August 20 at 11 a.m. at Shandon Baptist Church, located at 5250 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made through the online fundraiser established by Serve and Connect. 100% of the funds raised will go directly to support the Ricks family.

https://www.serveandconnect.org/blog/trooper-dennis-ricks-recovery-fund/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMMo3NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHrCR2yX42_lKbQsGIpCPmXAznf-U3NgzMCtpNP7qIILKqk-C3jCwQpgRZcll_aem_BY8DWU44KwC5k0Mja4qazg&give=KJEZ2JE2

Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks will forever be remembered as a man of honor and integrity, a guardian of South Carolina’s highways, and a loving husband, son, and friend whose pure heart and gentle spirit left an indelible mark on all who knew him.