Ricky retired from General Electric where he was employed for over 40 years. He was a car enthusiast, enjoyed wood working, and loved building things for his family. He enjoyed most fishing, golf, watching sports and spending time with his family especially his granddaughters who were the light of his life. Ricky was a kind, thoughtful friend to anyone who sought it. He was always willing and able to help anyone. Ricky was always the pragmatist if someone had a different opinion and arguing was just not worth the time and energy. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. The family could not be more proud of the man that he was and he will be dearly missed.
Ricky is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Dale Withem and Ruby Pauline Spears Withem; father-in-law, Charles Atkisson; brother-in-law, Wayne Akin; niece, Melody Ward and nephew-in-law, Eric Pitts.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Donna Atkisson Withem; daughter, Jennifer Withem Todd; son, Andrew James Withem; granddaughters, Leigh Todd and Hazel Withem; mother-in-law, Sue Atkisson; step mother-in-law, Elizabeth Atkisson; daughter-in-law, Whitney Harrell Withem; sisters, Sherry Withem Akin and Sandi Withem Ward; brother, Mike Withem, brother-in-laws Devin Ward and Stephen Atkisson; sister-in-law, Mary Naysa Withem. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108 with Mike Withem and Devin Ward officiating.
Serving as honorary pallbearers are Jonathan Todd, Thomas Todd, Steve Gore, David Lindsey, Thad Miers and Terry Dunlap
The family would like to extend special thanks to Ricky's oncologist, Dr. Kartan Koticha and the Infusion nurses for showing such gentle kindness and dignity. They would also llike to thank St. Joseph Hospice for the wonderful way they do their job.