J.W. Ricks of Covington passed away January 13, 2012, at At Home Hospice in Conyers.  He was 85 years old at the time of his death.  Mr. Ricks was preceded in death by his parents, John Alexander and Allie (Henry) Ricks Mitchell; as well as 6 siblings.  Mr. Ricks was a lifelong resident of the Oak Hill Community, and after his retirement he was the caretaker for the J. Gibson Hull Home, in which they resided for over 44 years.  He served as an Elder at the Covington Church of God.  He enjoyed watching wrestling and playing the guitar.  Mr. Ricks loved life and enjoyed spending time with his family over a good plate of catfish. 

Mr. Ricks is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen C. Ricks of Covington; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Donald Day of Covington; sons and daughters-in-law, Howard and Sarah Ricks of Panama City Beach, FL, Wayne and Lou Ricks of Covington; grandchildren, Tonya and Marlon Golden of Oxford, Sabrina and Richard Greenhaw of Smith Station, AL, Michael and Cheré Day, Jeff and Robin Day, Beth and Shane Carter, Amy and David Jones, all of Covington, Tammy and Jerry Hazlett of Lynnhaven, FL, Kimberly Cummings of Albany, Wayne Bailey of Panama City Beach, FL; numerous great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Russell and Dorothy Ricks of Covington.

Funeral Services for Mr. Ricks will be held at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, January 15, 2012, at Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road in Covington, with Rev. Larry Bennett and Brother Frank Kitchens officiating and interment following in Lawnwood Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday, January 14, from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Covington Church of God, 5158 Newton Drive, Covington, GA  30014.