Jay Dee Rickman, Sr.

Jay Dee Rickman, Sr. passed peacefully at his home on July 30, 2025 at the age of 91. He was born in Strawn, Kansas to Theodore “Oliver” Rickman and Ruth Henrietta Eisele. Born during the Great Depression with humble beginnings, he led a blessed life full of accomplishments and success.

Jay graduated from Lebanon Union High School in Oregon and later proudly earned a Bachelor’s degree from Coker College. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954 and served proudly as a U.S. Special Forces Green Beret, serving in the Vietnam War. His awards include the Bronze Star with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Jump Wings, National Defense Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Presidential Unit Citation.

Upon retirement from the service, Jay joined the staff of the SC Disaster Preparedness Agency. In 1976, Jay, alongside his wife Mary, founded and operated AMCOL Systems. Jay immensely served the credit and collections industry as President of the SCCA and Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, and National Director for ACA International. He was awarded the 1999 ACA International Hall of Fame Paul Bunyan Award, the 2001 James K. Erickson Continuous Service Award, the 2005 Unit Leader of the Year Award, among many others. He also served as President of the local Chamber of Commerce and Secretary/Treasurer for the South Carolina District Optimist Club. In addition to these many accomplishments, Jay also faithfully served as a deacon at St. Andrews Baptist Church.

Jay leaves a legacy of loyalty, leadership, integrity, and honor. He is preceded in death by his parents; seven siblings, Margaret, Barbara, Milton, Gayle, Darrell, Twila, and Theodore; and son Jay D. Rickman, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Karanikis Rickman, daughter Rena Johnson (Charles), son Chris Rickman, daughter-in-law Anita Rickman, daughter-in-law Wendy Rickman, grandchildren Gwen Shepard (Nick), Blair Stroman (Austin), Demitri Rickman (Sarah), McKenzie Riley (Austin), Ian Rickman, Christian Rickman, and Jacob Rickman. Along with his grandchildren, he is survived by 6 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 pm on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at St. Andrews Baptist Church followed by burial at Woodridge Memorial Park in Lexington, SC. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:30 pm prior to the service at the church.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com