Ricky was born on January 12, 1958, to Mildred and Jeff Reed, Jr. He was the third child of six in that union; his two brothers Jeff and Garry preceded him in death, leaving behind Teresa, Denise, and Michael. Ricky’s roots were grounded in Dallas attending John Neely Bryan Elementary School, Holmes Middle School, later to graduate from South Oak Cliff High School in 1976—with the helpful push from his high school sweetheart. Upon graduating high school, he pursued different career paths as a head chef, certified welder, and truck driver, driving him to be the owner-operator of two companies.
Ricky was an Entrepreneur, a Self-Starter. His employment, trade, and skills, set the foundation for others to follow while serving as a role model to many. His passion for cooking led him to own and operate Mr. Smoke Bar-B-Q. He was both motivational and inspirational, and it was common for him to employ family and friends. After working in the freight industry for 15 years, he decided to work for himself, again, establishing R & J’s Trucking in 2003 with his doting wife before entering retirement 11 successful years later.
Those who knew Ricky knew he was a force of nature. A passionate being, and gracious giver, with an unselfish heart. He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Ann Hill, on September 22, 1978. Ricky was determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they all deserved. In addition, he was proud of his two daughters Shanequa and Taronica, and supported their every dream while ensuring to prepare them for life.
Ricky enjoyed travel and concerts with his best friend, soul mate, wife. He put family first, always, and was a very involved father to his girls. Ricky never met a stranger due to his charismatic charm, and he especially poured love into cooking for everyone. What set him apart from the rest was his compassion to assist those in need by not hesitating to give the shirt off his back to help you succeed. People gravitated towards him because Ricky was that guy you wanted to befriend—selfless, positive, strong, and encouraging. He was also very handy with tools, fixing things in his own special way.
Ricky was a Christian and an active member of Carver Heights Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Tyler Carter and continued his membership with Pastor Daryl Carter. He served on the Board of Trustees along with the Men’s Choir, blessing and ministering to others through the ministry of music. His favorite song to perform was “Cooling Water.”
He leaves to cherish his memories: his parents; beloved wife of almost 43 years, Joyce Ann Reed; beautiful daughters, Shanequa (Lance), Taronica (Cory); darling granddaughters, Talyn and Skylar; two sisters, Teresa Reed, Denise Reed, and one brother, Michael Reed; sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Ricky will always be remembered by family and friends as a devoted son, loving husband, extraordinary father, proud grandfather, outstanding brother, remarkable uncle, terrific family member, prominent church member, joyful singer, and honorable businessman. There will never be another man like Ricky Reed.
