Rickey Arnold Charles

Rickey A. Charles, born on March 18, 1952, in Durham, North Carolina, to the late Evelyn and Charles Louis Charles, passed away surrounded by family on June 18, 2024. A loving husband, dedicated father, and proud member of the United States Air Force for 20 years, Rickey's legacy of love and service will be cherished forever.

He married his wife, Pao, in 1976. Together they raised two beautiful daughters in Tampa, Florida after being stationed at MacDill Air Force Base. Rickey’s military career began as a Security Police officer, and he went on to serve in Vietnam and Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He was awarded numerous medals, awards, and ribbons. After 20 years, he retired honorably. He worked for the Clerk of Court in Hillsborough County, while earning his Master of Business Administration. Motivated to help his fellow veterans, he later transitioned to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Rickey is survived by his devoted wife, Pao Charles; daughters, Rickena Charles Perry and Rena Charles; his beloved grandson, Roosevelt Charles Little; his brother, Ronald Charles (Thelma); three nephews, Derrick Johnson, Tamiko Young, Ronnie Lunsford; three nieces, Rishaun Dawson, Ebony Charles, Rhonisha Charles; his great nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Reginald Charles, his aunt Constance Cheatham, his uncle June Cheatham, and his grandmother, Eloise Smith.

A man of many passions, Rickey was an avid fisherman and a loyal fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After his retirement from the military, he became a founding member and President of the Black Shoe Squadron, a social club consisting of active and retired servicemen of the United States Armed Forces. Among organizing events and trips, Rickey led the “Shoe” members in an annual holiday toy drive for his local community. His warmth, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends and country will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life for Rickey will be held Friday, June 28, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Blount & Curry Life Event Center, 605 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33609. Following the Celebration of Life will be a committal service with special military honors at 2:00 PM at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 S W 102nd Ave, Bushnell, Florida 33513.