Rickie Urick Rister Jr.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 28, 2012, at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, 542 Hickory, Abilene, with Dr. Phil Christopher officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at a visitation 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Rickie was born September 2, 1928 to Rickie Urick Rister, Sr. and Bessie Elizabeth Sellers Rister in Merkel, Texas. He was raised and attended school in Merkel. Rickie married Lillian Cruse on February 7, 1948 in Abilene. He worked for Abilene Candy Company during the 1940’s and during the 1950’s he was employed by West Texas Brick and Tile (later Callaway’s). From the 1960’s to the 1980’s, Rickie became self-employed and the owner of Rister Floors until his retirement. His business included floor coverings and formica cabinet tops.

Rickie pastored a number of Baptist churches in the Abilene area --- especially, Hamlin and Lueders and retired from pastoring at Elmwood Baptist Church. His wife, Lillian, passed away in 2004. He was a member of Rose Park Senior Citizens where he sang with the Benevolence Group there and also sang in a quartet for many years. Rickie was a member of First Baptist Church and the Big Country Early Ford V-8 Club in Abilene. He married Bess Karr on March 5, 2005 in Abilene.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lillian Cruse Rister; and two brothers, Joe Rister and Marvin Rister.

Survivors include his wife, Bess Rister, of Abilene; a brother, Johnny Rister of Abilene; a sister, Martha Wright and husband, Ernest of Weatherford, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special long-time friend from his teenage years, Hubert Owens.

Memorials may be sent to Love and Care Ministries, 233 Fannin St., Abilene, TX 79603.