Rickey Eugene Smith Jr.

Born on November 8, 1979 to Deloris Johnson and Rickey E Smith Sr. in Wichita Kansas, Rickey was a smart, beautiful happy baby. Throughout his life he loved to tell jokes, make people laugh, sing and he was always entertaining his family. He had a gentle open spirit that would become a part of his personality and remain with him throughout his life. He had a remarkable talent for singing. Rickey would sing In the church and high school choirs. Rickey sang at various talent shows where he almost always won first place, however, always seemed to be the most surprised person in the room that he actually won. Rickey attended school in Wichita, Kansas up until the 9th grade. He moved with his mother to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he attended school from the 10th grade until completing his education as a Del City High School Graduate. After high school, Rickey attended college at Southwestern Adventist College in Keene, Texas, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music. It was during this time that his talent as a singer came to the attention of his Music Mentor David Anavitarte who decided he should go to Tennessee one weekend to try out for a new reality show called American Idol. He was one of the 30 contestants who were chosen to go to California. Though he did not become that season’s American Idol he did finish in 8th place and became a household name because of his talent, but also because of his charismatic personality. Rickey received numerous awards and recognitions for his singing talent. He was even presented with the Key to the City from the Governor of Oklahoma.

He settled in Oklahoma and continued to sing and perform for a variety of shows, and venues. It’s during this time; he met Candace and her son Ali. He was devoted to them, and became a strong father figure for Ali. Together Rickey and Candace have a beautiful daughter, Ava Jade Smith. Rickey was the most loving and dependable father. His daughter was his heartbeat and he cherished every moment shared with her.

Rickey was a very loving son and brother. He loved to spend time with his family; especially his Uncle Man, who was a father figure in his life. He always had positive things to say, and always made sure everyone was happy. He will truly be missed by his family, friends and numerous lives he touched with his sweet smile and angelic voice.

He is preceded in death by his Maternal Grandfather Robert Johnson Sr., Paternal Grandmother Geraldine (Monie) Smith, Paternal Grandfather Curtis (Smitty) Smith Sr., Paternal Great-Grand, Mother Ethel L. Anderson, Great-Grandmother Eula Johnson, Uncles Roger and Donnie McClain, Aunts Delores Matthews and Ann Baldwin.

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Life’s Journey

Born on November 8, 1979 to Deloris Johnson and Rickey E Smith Sr. in Wichita Kansas, Rickey was a smart, beautiful happy baby. Throughout his life he loved to tell jokes, make people laugh, sing and he was always entertaining his family. He had a gentle open spirit that would become a part of his personality and remain with him throughout his life. He had a remarkable talent for singing. Rickey would sing In the church and high school choirs. Rickey sang at various talent shows where he almost always won first place, however, always seemed to be the most surprised person in the room that he actually won. Rickey attended school in Wichita, Kansas up until the 9th grade. He moved with his mother to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he attended school from the 10th grade until completing his education as a Del City High School Graduate. After high school, Rickey attended college at Southwestern Adventist College in Keene, Texas, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music. It was during this time that his talent as a singer came to the attention of his Music Mentor David Anavitarte who decided he should go to Tennessee one weekend to try out for a new reality show called American Idol. He was one of the 30 contestants who were chosen to go to California. Though he did not become that season’s American Idol he did finish in 8th place and became a household name because of his talent, but also because of his charismatic personality. Rickey received numerous awards and recognitions for his singing talent. He was even presented with the Key to the City from the Governor of Oklahoma.

He settled in Oklahoma and continued to sing and perform for a variety of shows, and venues. It’s during this time; he met Candace and her son Ali. He was devoted to them, and became a strong father figure for Ali. Together Rickey and Candace have a beautiful daughter, Ava Jade Smith. Rickey was the most loving and dependable father. His daughter was his heartbeat and he cherished every moment shared with her.

Rickey was a very loving son and brother. He loved to spend time with his family; especially his Uncle Man, who was a father figure in his life. He always had positive things to say, and always made sure everyone was happy. He will truly be missed by his family, friends and numerous lives he touched with his sweet smile and angelic voice.

Arrangements under the direction of Sunny Lane Funeral Home, Del City, OK.