Richard W. “Ricky” Blackwell, of Foxworth, Mississippi, passed away on October 3, 2020 at the age of 61. Though he was born in Racine, Wisconsin, Ricky has been a lifelong resident of Marion County. He worked all of his life as a carpenter, construction worker, and jack of all trades who loved to work with his hands and did not mind getting his hands dirty. Ricky loved to “tinker and fiddle” with any mechanical device just to find out how it worked. He was a wonderful provider who worked for everything he was given and taught his children the value of hard work and determination. He is known as an honest man who was quick to give his opinion and would help anyone in need. Ricky loved spending time with his wife and was happy to spend the day driving her to flea markets and yard sales. He will be remembered as man of God who was a devoted husband and father that taught his sons and grandchildren how to serve the Lord. He was preceded in death by his father, Reuben Blackwell, his mother and step-father, Lena and Willard Bowman. Ricky is survived by his wife of 40 years, Vicky Blackwell; two sons, Desmond (Theresa) Armstrong and Donovan (Jennifer) Blackwell; a sister, Rebecca Brown; five grandchildren, Trent Duplantis, Dylan Armstrong, Laken (Warren) Miller, Natalie Douglas, and John (Aly) Douglas; three great-grandchildren, Molly Miller, Ella Douglas, and Milo Douglas; and numerous nieces and nephews. There will be a visitation for Ricky from 5:00pm until 9:00pm on Sunday, October 4, 2020 at Colonial Funeral Home in Columbia. The funeral service, officiated by Reverend Glen Nace, will be at 2:00pm on Monday, October 5, 2020 in the funeral home chapel and friends may visit from 12:00pm until service time. Burial will follow in Turnage Chapel cemetery assisted by Trent Duplantis, Dylan Armstrong, Ricky Baughman, Chase Baughman, Matt Miley, Justin Baughman, Eric Breakfield, and Doug Turnage.
