Gary Lamar Ricketts April 8th, 1946, - October 25th, 2022 Gary Lamar Ricketts, aged 76, departed this life on October 25, 2022 in Seffner, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon Charles Ricketts, Sr. and Catherine Leola (Hill) Ricketts; his brothers Vernon Charles Ricketts, Jr., Lawrence Eugene Ricketts, Allan K. Ricketts, Sr., and his sister Karen Janet (Ricketts) Bellotte. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean Loving Ricketts; his daughters Angela Lynn Cline (Bill), Krista Leigh Henderson (David), Wendy Laine Maxwell (Scott), Tiffany Laing Brush (Joel); his grandchildren Bryce Wesley Cline (Keri), Austin Toliver Cline, Cailey Cline Kerley (Andrew), Ashley Victoria Cline, Hannah Nicole Thomley ( Jason), Tyler David Henderson, Lindsay Grace Henderson, Brett Anthony Maxwell, Jake Andrew Maxwell (Tiffany), Lily Lucille Brush, Aaron Joseph Brush, and Benjamin Gallant Brush; his brother Norman Leslie Ricketts (Ann); as well as two great-grandchildren. Gary was born in St. Petersburg, Florida on April 8, 1946. His family soon moved to South Tampa, just steps from Tampa Bay. Gary and his brothers could always be found out on the water, fishing, skiing, or building boats. He kept that love of the outdoors throughout his life. He attended Chamberlain High School, and there he met a spunky cheerleader named Jean Loving. He was smitten, carried her books to class for her, and looked for any chance to talk to her. After graduation in 1964, he went on to University of Florida to study Finance. Soon after, in 1967, Gary and Jean were married. Once he finished his degree, they moved back to Tampa and Gary began working in construction with his oldest brother, Charlie. The next year he founded Ricketts Builders, Inc. and built many custom homes in the Brandon area. Gary and Jean had four daughters. He was the most patient, kind, resourceful, and tenderhearted husband and father. He gave all he could to take care of his family, and Gary and Jean loved teaming up to surprise the girls with unexpected gifts or adventures. One year, they built a custom fort in the backyard out of scrap lumber, working all night on Christmas Eve so it would be ready on Christmas morning! He was the type of father that loved to spend quality time with his daughters, whether it was going to work with him on a job site, helping with odd jobs at home or simply watching TV. Even today you will find streets in some Brandon neighborhoods named after his beloved daughters. Gary retired from building and began selling insurance in the 1980’s. Over the years he represented Prudential, AFLAC, and United Healthcare. He was also a gifted teacher, always ready to share his knowledge of construction, auto mechanics, fishing, hunting, or insurance. He was passionate about helping people, always looking for an opportunity to lend a hand to anyone who needed his help. He had a knack for creative problem-solving and even earned the name “Tricky Rick” among some of his best friends, which eventually became his CB handle. Gary loved the Lord, and his walk with Christ began soon after being invited to a mid-week Bible study by his fellow Army reserve buddy, Mike Jergins. According to Gary, not only was the message moving, but the acapella singing really struck a chord with him! Gary was an active and devoted member of the Plant City Church of Christ, serving as an elder there for many years. He was a man of utmost integrity, striving to do right by others and always set an example of faith and perseverance. When Gary was diagnosed with ALS in 2021, his perspective of gratitude was an inspiration to others. He said God had blessed him, and he had a good life, and a loving family. He felt he had been given more than he deserved, and he was truly grateful. He bravely fought ALS, never complaining, and keeping a positive outlook even as the disease took his strength and independence away from him, bit by bit. He cheerfully looked for strategies to overcome challenges, and enjoyed his days as much as he could, even to the end. Gary will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew him. Services will be held at Plant City Church of Christ on Saturday, November 12, 2022, with Visitation at 10 am, followed by a Memorial Service at 11 am. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The ALS Therapy Development Institute at https://www.als.net/donate.