Force Retired US Air MSGT Benjamin James Ricketts

WADESBORO MSGT Benjamin James Ricketts, US Air Force Retired, 86, died Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Wadesboro Health and Rehab. Funeral services will be 11:00am Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at Mt. Beulah Baptist Church with Rev. Randy Storz officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in the church cemetery. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service on Wednesday and other times at the home. Benjamin was born July 10, 1933 in Anson County, NC and was a son of the late Evan Thomas Jefferson Ricketts and the late Lila Orene Freeman Ricketts. He was a long-time member of Mt. Beulah Baptist Church. He first enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard ship during the Korean Conflict. Following his tour with the Navy, he enlisted with the United States Air Force serving during the Vietnam War. He retired as Master Sergeant from the Air Force with more than 20 years in military service. Following his retirement from the military he worked with Anson County Water Filtration Plant with more than 20 years of service. Surviving are his children; Sharon Ricketts of Wadesboro, Barry (Beth) Ricketts of Southern Pines, Dennis (Jacqueline) Ricketts of Wadesboro, Judy (Chris) Sellers of Cheraw, SC, Connie Kiker of Polkton, and Tony (Wendy) Ricketts of Wadesboro; 13 grandchildren, Chuck Williamson, Ben (Hannah) Soileau, Brittany Soileau, Callie (Greg) Huneycutt, Michael Ricketts, Dylan Ricketts, Jake Ricketts, Kristy Vouigt, Courtney Sellers, Spencer Sellers, Brett (Kailey) Kiker, McKayla Ricketts, and Trace Ricketts; and 1 great-grandchild, Charley Williamson and 2 great-grandchildren on the way; his brother, Earl Ricketts of Wadesboro; and his step-brother and step-sister, George Honeycutt of Newport News, VA and Shirley Harward of Polkton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Doris Sings Ricketts;his son-in-law, David Kiker; his step-mother, Bertha Ricketts and his brother and sisters, Paul Ricketts, Betty Baldwin and Carolyn Brewer. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 3373 Country Club Rd., Wadesboro, NC 28170. The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com Interment following funeral service: Wednesday October 2, 2019 Mt. Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery