Gilbert J Richard III

Gilbert Joseph "Ricky" Richard III was born on February 26, 1953, in Three Rivers, Michigan as the only son to Blanche O. Dixon and Gilbert Joseph Richard Jr. Early in life, Ricky was known as Richard Hayes, having been raised by John Hayes, who at the time was married to Blanche Dixon .At age 30, Ricky changed his name to Gilbert Joseph Ill after learning about his biological father and wanting to take on his family name.

Growing up in Three Rivers, Ricky attended Barrows Elementary and Three Rivers High School. From a young age, he developed a love and talent for singing that would carry throughout his life.In high school, he sang with the Band Follies, which prepared him for a bigger stage as an adult singing with the prominent gospel group, the Milton Brunson Tommies, when he ultimately made his way to Chicago.

In 1971, he graduated from Three Rivers High School. After High School, he went to Chicago, where he attended Loop City College. In addition to singing, caring for others was Ricky's calling. Over the next four decades, Ricky would work in many roles in the medical and nursing fields, including a role that would take him to California, working at the former Brotman Medical Center in Los Angeles. During his time in California, Ricky cared for and met many famous people, including Valerie Simpson and Michael Jackson.

In the 90s, Ricky moved back to Chicago to care for his older sister. He became a tithing member of Ingleside-Whitfield United Methodist Church, where he sang with the choir. Ricky also pursued his passion for cooking and dreamed of starting a business, Bless This Taste That, after years of preparing weekly meals for friends and family,who raved about his dishes.

After retiring from the medical industry in 2015, Ricky returned to a place he always loved, California.

Throughout his life, Ricky was known and loved for his big personality and endless style. Rarely did you see him without a fedora, a sharp outfit, or his little red car, Cassie Bell. His joy for life was reflected in his ability to make friends anywhere he went and in his love for his dog, Chanel Blue.

On June 13, 2026, Gilbert Joseph Richard III was called to rest. He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings. Paul Pope, Ernestine Pope Lockinour(Robert), and Una Yvonne Pope Perry(James).

While he didn't have any children of his own, his family was everything to him.He was a PROUD uncle of his many great (12), great-great (20), and great-great-great (7)nieces and nephews, and never let you forget those "great" distinctions. He is survived by his Uncle William David Egland (Katherine); sister, Susean Richard Nichols (Giacomo); and his nieces and nephews: Victoria Jones, Ivan Jones(Lanita), Regina Pope(Alexander), lngrinette Mitchell(Reg), Janaya Nichols, Germaine Nichols, and Kevin Perry.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a local charity of your choice.

A Funeral Service will be held at Miller-Jones Menifee Memorial Park and Mortuary, 26770 Murrieta Rd., Menifee, CA 92585, US, on July 1, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, with livestream available at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4456268783?pwd=YyniDaw69V9Rv8eQVLLdAOR1SB8yaA.1&omn=81061886857.

A Committal Service will be held at Miller-Jones Menifee Memorial Park and Mortuary, 26770 Murrieta Rd., Menifee, CA 92585, US, on July 1, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm.