Charles V. Ricks

Charles Vernon Ricks, 90, of Fort Mill, South Carolina passed away peacefully on June 24, 2024 at his home from Alzheimer's disease. He was born in Franklinton, NC, son of Roy G. and Naomi Young Ricks. He is preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Ricks and had four children.

Charles graduated from Durham High School in 1951. He served in the U.S. Air Force Active Duty and the Reserves. After his service, he attended Duke University and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting and economics, with distinction. He was a member of Phi Beta Kapa, and received the outstanding accounting student gold medal from the North Carolina Association of CPA’s. He also received the Alpha Kappa Psi award for having the highest average in the Department of Business Administration, Economics and Accounting.

As a CPA, Charles was a tax partner at both Arthur Andersen & Co. and Price Waterhouse before starting his own accounting firm, one of his clients being Rick Hendrick. Through his relationship with Rick Hendrick, he eventually served as Vice Chairman of The Hendrick Companies, LLC and had been a member of the Partnership Committee of Hendrick Automotive Group since its formation. Charles also was President of JL Hendrick Management Corporation, which gave his life purpose and joy in his final years.

Charles is survived by his four children, Chuck Ricks (Denise), Stephen Ricks, Carol Ricks Cooper (Bill) and Matthew Ricks (Ann). He has five grandchildren, Collin Ricks (Debbie), Melissa Martin (Greg), Brian Ricks (Heather), William Ricks and Emma Ricks. He has five great grandchildren, Aniston and Charli Ricks, Callum Martin, Alydia Newland and Cason Ricks.

Charles loved his family and his work. Work was his life. He had many special relationships with business associates who became his closest friends and like family to him. We want to thank everyone for being a part of his family.

Charles was a very private person who always tried to keep a low profile. He never wanted to be acknowledged or receive any accolades in his business or personal life. Therefore, it is no surprise that he has specifically asked for a private burial in Durham, NC for immediate family only. This may disappoint many of his friends and business associates, but he was adamant that we honor his wishes. In a letter stating all of this, he even went so far as to say “I want my death to inconvenience my family and friends as little as possible.” Typical Charles!!!

We want to thank Dr. Jason Brancato with Perspective Health & Wellness for his care and guidance, Always Best Care of Rock Hill, SC for supplying amazing, compassionate and loving caregivers for almost three years, and Hospice of Rock Hill, SC for their support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice and Community Care of Rock Hill, 2275 India Hook Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732 or Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Condolences may be offered at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com