Robert Paul "Bobby" Ricks

Courtland - Robert “Bobby” Paul Ricks, 62, passed away October 26, 2026 in his home. He was a man of excellent taste, a sharp wit, and an unmistakable personality. He appreciated the finer things in life—not necessarily the extravagant ones, but the ones worth savoring. He worked hard, enjoyed himself, and had a way of making even an ordinary afternoon memorable.

Born on August 16, 1964, to Sandra Joyce Jones and the late James Paul Ricks Jr., Bobby grew up with a strong work ethic, a spirited personality, and a determination to do things his own way.

A proud Forest Glen Ranger, Bobby graduated with honors in 1983, though the most important thing he took away from those school days wasn’t a diploma. It was meeting Wanda LaVonne, the love of his life.

Bobby completed his apprenticeship at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, earning his Journeyman’s card and beginning a remarkable career spanning approximately three decades. Through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to doing things the right way, he rose through the ranks, retiring as Deputy Project Superintendent of Norfolk Naval Shipyard. It was an impressive career by any measure, though Bobby would likely have preferred to talk about something other than his job.

Outside the shipyard, Bobby knew exactly how he liked to spend his time. He loved beautiful flowers, good music, a well-poured bourbon, and a meal worth gathering around the table for. He enjoyed cooking, rocking on the front porch, and dancing in the kitchen with Wanda. He was equally content with a house full of company or an afternoon with absolutely nothing on the agenda.

He was a devoted dog dad to Huck, Penny, Harvey, and Presley, who undoubtedly knew that beneath his sometimes tough exterior was an awfully soft spot for his four-legged companions.

And, of course, Bobby was a Philadelphia Eagles fan—a loyalty that required equal parts devotion, optimism, and a remarkable ability to forgive disappointment.

Bobby is survived by his beloved wife, Wanda LaVonne Ricks; his mother, Sandra Joyce Jones; his brother, Bert Ricks (Renea); his uncle, David S. Ricks; his children, Sara Chitwood (Mark), Ryan Ricks (Katie), Frank “John” Ricks (Lori), and Skylar Poland (Richard); and former wife Debbie Ricks.

But if you really wanted to see Bobby light up, all you had to do was ask about his grandchildren.

His 8 grandchildren—Jocelyn, Tristan, Nick, Parker, Nora, Landon, Laina, and Steely—were his pride and joy. He loved each of them fiercely, and wanted nothing more than for his babies to grow up happy, healthy, and, above all, to be good people. There was no greater title he held, no promotion more meaningful, and no accomplishment that made him prouder than being their grandfather.

Bobby had a strong faith and a reassuring belief that somehow, some way, things had a way of working themselves out. He wasn’t one to overcomplicate what mattered, and those who knew him will remember his humor, his unmistakable personality, and the comfort of simply having him around.

His absence will be felt in countless ways—in the kitchen when a favorite song comes on, in the empty rocking chair on the porch, around the dinner table, and especially whenever his beloved Eagles beat the Cowboys (year after year!)

His family would give anything for one more dance, one more story, or one more ordinary afternoon together. Until then, they’ll carry his stories, his laughter, and a lifetime of memories with them.

And, if he had his way, there’d be an Eagles win on Sunday

Fly high, Bobby! Fly, Eagles, fly.

A funeral service celebrating Bobby’s life will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Franklin, Virginia.  Burial will follow at Poplar Springs Cemetery Annex, located off Homestead Drive in Franklin, Virginia.  Following the burial, family and friends are warmly invited to gather at Bobby and Wanda’s home for a reception to share stories, laughter, and fond memories of a life well lived.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org