Joe Ralph Rickey

Joe R. Rickey, SMSgt (USAF Retired), 86, of Midland, Texas, was called to continue his service with the Lord on Sunday, October 20, 2024. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory, with interment to follow at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas, at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 8, 2024.

Born on July 27, 1938, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Wayne and Lucille Rickey (née Avery), Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force immediately after graduating from Sayre High School in 1956. He served honorably for 28 years, retiring in 1984 as a First Sergeant. Throughout his distinguished career, Joe received numerous accolades, including the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with Three Bronze Stars, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Army Good Conduct Medal. His service took him to various locations around the globe, including Turkey, France, England, Spain, and Texas. He was especially proud of his time in Vietnam—Welcome Home, Pop!

A proud Vietnam veteran, Joe furthered his education by earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland while in service and later a Master’s in Psychology from Angelo State University, where his two sons also earned their degrees. After retirement, he dedicated himself to supporting veterans and their families as the Team Leader of the Midland Vet Center and as Service Officer for Ector County. Joe also served as a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) at VFW Post 4372 in Odessa, Texas, where he was actively involved as the Post Surgeon.

In addition to his military achievements, Joe was an avid racquetball player, photographer, gun enthusiast, and a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights. Above all, he was a devoted family man who loved his children—Michael, Ralph, and Carmen—and cherished his role as a father and hero. His son Ralph had the honor of receiving his first salute from Joe when he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the USAF in 1986.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Sheila Rickey; his children, Michael (Nikki) Rickey, Ralph (Angela) Rickey, and Rikki Rae (Carmen Rickey); their mother, Mercedes Rickey; his brother, Jimmie Rickey; and Sheila’s children, Leslie (Brigette) Cady and Beverly Cady. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren from his blended family.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Lucille Rickey; his siblings, Alice, Lucy, Ruth, Mary, Norma, Charles, Patricia, Betty, and Wayne Rickey; and Sheila’s son, Jordan “Scott” (Gloria) Cady.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from the VFW, fellow veterans, and friends during this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the VFW, Wounded Warriors, and the Arbor Day Foundation.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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