Jeffrey Ray Rikard

Born on March 28, 1953, in Charlotte, NC, Jeff was known as one of the most hardworking, loyal, and loving people anyone could ever meet.

He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life—fishing and hunting, watching old western movies, and spending time with his beloved dogs, Marlee and Milo, along with his cherished grandpuppies, Sadie, Dixie, Blue and Ace. Jeff will be remembered most as a devoted husband and father, an incredible Paw Paw, and a man whose friendships were deeply valued. His vast knowledge of “anything and everything” was admired by all who knew him.

Jeff worked his way out of childhood poverty to become a highly skilled and recognized leader in the construction industry. He was respected by so many, not only as a mentor, but as a valued friend too.His vast knowledge of construction was largely self taught. Somehow he could read a book or manual one time then pass a certification or licensing test with flying colors. Jeff became a North Carolina Unclassified/Unlimited Licensed General Contractor, that accomplishment is exceedingly difficult and a title held by very few.

Despite his accomplishments and titles at work, he would tell you without hesitation that his most important and meaningful titles were Dad and PawPaw.

If the kids or grandkids could come up with an invention or project, his vast imagination would bring it to life. Granted more than a few of them were definitely not OSHA approved! He built a less than "safe" wooden go-kart and sent the kids down a huge hill to try it out, only to realize he forgot to add a braking mechanism! (a brake and rope to steer it were later added) Other projects that kept the kids and grandkids entertained for hours include wooden swords and shields, a two story treehouse, and a diabolical potato gun. The most cherished, however, was the fishing pole with a magnet lure they could "catch" realistic magnetic wooden flounder on off of the back deck. As a Dad and PawPaw he also shared his love of hunting and fishing, skills that will live on and be passed down to future generations.

On June 12th 1982, after an evening of "Why Not Margaritas" at Casa Gallardo, Jeff married the love of his life, Sherry. He presented her with a bouquet of stolen roses from a nearby park, then they said their "I dos" in front of the Charlotte Magistrate. He recently told a friend "That woman drives me crazy in more ways than the Lord has dreamed of and son, I love her for it." Fittingly, she was by his side at the very end, side by side, as they have been for the past 43 years.

Jeff was always good for an off color joke or long story about anything, everything and nothing at all. Boy, did he have stories and tall tales! You knew he liked you if he told you to "pull my finger" with a chuckle. Hopefully, you didn't fall for it but if you did, you sure didn't do it again!

Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Sherry Rikard; his children, Scott Rikard, Stacie Derrick, and Julie Rikard; and his grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jessica, Ben, and Lawson Rikard, and Christian and James Witte.

He was preceded in death by his son, John Rikard; his beautiful sister, Diane Rikard Branch; and his favorite aunt and second mother, Melva Rikard.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, when the weather is warmer. Jeff never wanted a stuffy funeral with tears and sadness, just a simple gathering of friends; to share stories, laughs, and a few dirty jokes thrown in for good measure.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Levine Cancer Institute 101 E W.T. Harris Blvd Building 5000, Suite 5500, Charlotte, NC 28262.