Charles Henry Ricker Jr

It is with a breaking heart that we grieve the passing of Charles Henry Ricker, Jr. (Charlie) on 11/11/2024. Throughout his valiant four-year battle with kidney cancer, he kept his humor, grace, and dignity.

Charlie was preceded in death by his father, Charles Henry Ricker, Sr., his mother Corrine Martin Ricker, his sister Elizabeth Ann Ricker and his daughter, Cynthia Lee Ricker Hurlock.

Charlie is survived by Pat, his wife of forty-four years, his brother, Jackie Emile Ricker, his sister Pamela Sue Ricker Hinz (Hellmuth), his son, Charles Michael (Mike) Ricker (Melanie), his daughter Jennifer Lynn Ricker Dabbs (Peter); his grandchildren Madison Collier Grace (Owen), Jordan Ricker, Lee Ricker Paganakis (Jake), Scott Ricker, Charles Queen (Angelina), and Brooks Queen; his great grandchildren, Avery Grace and Smith Grace. Also, his sister- in- law, Sandra Coleman, and brother – in – law, Tony Levoy (Monica). 

Charlie was born and grew up in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He graduated from Pascagoula High School (1957), then with Distinction from Millsaps College (BA, 1961), and highest Honors from Columbia University Graduate School of Business (MBA, 1972). He was a proud Marine veteran.

Charlie’s career was guided by his entrepreneurial spirit that characterized his life and formed his personal and professional relationships. That drive took he and Pat from Mississippi to Texas, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, England, California, and finally Ohio. He began his career with IBM then subsequently held senior executive positions in manufacturing, engineering and construction, power generation, and solar power. Charlie was particularly proud of his critical role in the development of the 386MW Ivanpah Solar Power Generation System, the world’s largest solar thermal power plant which provides power for 140,000 California homes.

Charlie asked that his obituary express his deep appreciation for the love, support, and prayers from family, friends, neighbors, and his Cleveland Clinic care team during his cancer fight- they motivated him and let him know how much he meant to others. His deepest love and appreciation were for his wife Pat, who nurtured, supported, and loved him selflessly throughout his life. Sparky, Charlie’s devoted dog gave him so much comfort and love. Also, a special thank you to Javier Diaz and Pamela Ricker (former Daughter -in- law) for their care and support in Charlie’s final days.

Charlie will be remembered as a dear friend and devoted husband, father, grandfather who was always kind, always positive, and always there.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Charlie’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Condolences and special memories of Charlie can be shared with his family online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com