Jackie Ricker

His family noted that "He was a beloved grandson, cousin, nephew, and friend who was known for his passion for football and was loved by everyone who knew him."

Survivors include his grandparents: Mike and Kathy Sparks, who raised him, and Jackie and Jeanine Tarlton; five aunts: Jennifer House, Misty Tarlton, Teresa Tarlton, and two special aunts: Tonya Ricker and Nancy Wills; a special uncle: Bobby Wills; a special great-uncle and great-aunt: Roger and Irene Ricker; seven cousins: Hannah Wilson, Caleb Wills, Kyra Davis, Todd Davis, Justin Tomlinson, Tyler Tomlinson, and Courtney Shelton; his special friends: Tracy Dobson and Donna Ricker, who were like mothers to him, and Nathan Littleton and Brian Gentry, who were like brothers to him; two stepbrothers and one stepsister: Curtis and Dallas Ferguson and Cassie Ferguson; and his godfather: John Ricker and his wife, Shannon.

He was preceded in death by his father: Bronson Ricker; and his grandfather: Michael Wills.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today and Saturday at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon in the funeral home chapel. The Rev. Lynn Mercer will officiate.

Interment will follow in Mount Hebron Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Tyler Fellers, Dustin Holt, John Bowman, Trevor Hurst, Brian Gentry, and Nathan Littleton.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dave Brooks, Sherald Jennings, Marc Boatwright, John Ricker, and Coach Ben Murphy.