Thomas "Tom" Reid Rickman, Sr.

Thomas Reid Rickman, Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away on April 5, 2026, Easter Sunday, surrounded by his family. Tom suffered a cerebral aneurysm and despite undergoing surgery, the damage was too great. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity and love that touched all who knew him.

Born on April 10, 1948, Tom was a native of Raleigh, North Carolina. He graduated from Broughton High School in 1968, where he played football, ran track, and formed lifelong friendships. He and his friends stayed connected over the years, enjoying regular beach trips, basketball games and lunches together. He attended East Carolina University and later graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Economics.

After completing his education, Tom enlisted in the National Guard, where he served with the 130th Finance Support Unit and retired as a Sergeant First Class. Over 22 years of honorable service, he formed lasting friendships and took great pride in his service, which most notably included active duty in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm.

Tom built a career in accounting software for school systems. He was deeply committed to his work and valued the people he worked alongside, building a team that became like family. Tom took pride in creating a fun and energetic workplace, where colleagues shared lunch workouts, celebrated new sales with county-themed hats and enjoyed sharing stories and a laugh together after work. His leadership, integrity and sense of humor left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Outside of work, Tom found great joy in hunting and fishing—activities that also brought him closer to friends and family. Whether in the duck blind or simply watching the sunset from the porch with a cold beer in hand, he cherished the moments that brought people together.

Tom will be remembered for the generosity and warmth that defined his life. He had a way of bringing people together, making others feel welcome and reminding those around him of what truly matters. His love for family, the friendships he nurtured and the example he set will continue to guide those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howell Reid Rickman, Jr. and Ruby Gordon Nanney, and his brother, David Reid Rickman. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Rainey Rickman; son, Thomas Reid Rickman, Jr., and his wife, Audra; daughter, Lauren Rickman Leager, and her husband, Travis; and four grandchildren, Grace Hutchins Rickman, Bailey Reid Rickman, Weston Reid Leager, and Ames Henry Leager. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Reid Rickman, and his wife, June.

A Witness to the Resurrection service celebrating Tom’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, in the Main Hall at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Road, Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Step Up Ministry, founded by White Memorial Presbyterian Church in 1988. Visit https://www.stepupministry.org/donate to donate.

Service arrangements are being provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary’s Street, Raleigh.