Ricky Ray McGill

1950 - 2023

Date of Death: June 12, 2023

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In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the McGill Family. Ricky's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Mr.Ricky Ray McGill.

Sincerely,

Derrick Veasley ~ Director

Henry Veasley ~ Director

Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain

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Rickey McGill, a pillar of strength, leadership, and love, was

born on March 13 1950 to Reverend Louis McGill, and Elizabeth

McGill in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and passed away peacefully on June

12 2023 in Cibolo, Texas Rickey touched countless lives with his

generous, selfless, and passionate spirit, leaving a legacy of

activism, education, and empowerment.

Rickey's early life in Fort Smith laid the foundation for his

academic success and leadership journey He graduated from

Northside High School before attending Henderson State University,

where he excelled as a student athlete In 1975 Rickey earned a

Bachelor of Science in Education, followed by a Master of Science

in Education Administration in 1994 demonstrating his lifelong

commitment to learning and personal growth.

With a heart full of ambition and determination, Rickey

committed over 25 years of service to the State of California His

undeniable leadership skills and drive to make a difference led him

to a lifetime of activism and community service Rickey's genuine

passion for uplifting others shined brightly through his work with

various community organizations.

In 2015 Rickey hosted the first annual "It Takes a Village"

community awards banquet in Modesto, California honoring local

pastors, dignitaries, schoolteachers, and community activists As a

strong advocate for justice for minorities and the underprivileged.

Rickey served as a Northern Regional Delegate for the

Democratic Central Committee for eight years His affiliations with

numerous organizations, including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, INC

NAACP, Menelik Temple 36 The Desert of California Ancient

Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine Inc, Frank Anderson

2 Illustrious Prince Hall Royal and Select Masters and Abyssinia

5 Most Excellent Prince Hall Holy Royal Arch Masons, jurisdiction

of California, Silver Square Lodge 66 Prince Hall Free Accepted

Mason of the State of California Incorporated further illustrated his

dedication to fostering community outreach and positive change.

Rickey's love for coaching and fishing provided him with

endless joy and opportunities to connect with others His

contagious enthusiasm brought people together and created a

sense of unity and belonging Rickey believed wholeheartedly in

the power of education and encouraged everyone he encountered

to pursue their dreams and destinies.

He is survived by his loving family, including Shawanna and

Acy Butler Jr of Maryland, Gary Fair, Tanisha McGill, and

Marcus McGill all of Texas, along with seven grandchildren and

one great grandchild Rickey's legacy lives on through his two

surviving siblings, Mayor George McGill and Herbert McGill Sr

of Arkansas, and a host of nephews, nieces, extended family, and

friends who cherish his memory.

As we reflect on Rickey's life and the profound impact he had

on so many, we are reminded of the inspiring words of Maya

Angelou "I've learned that people will forget what you said,

people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how

you made them feel Rickey made everyone feel seen, heard,

and valued, and his spirit will continue to inspire us to carry on

his legacy of love, leadership, and empathy.

Rickey McGill's life serves as a shining example of what it

means to be a true servant leader His generosity, selflessness,

and passion will forever be remembered by all who were

fortunate enough to know him As we celebrate Rickey's life and

honor his memory, let us be inspired to live our lives with the

same courage, determination, and love that he embodied everyday.

Rickey McGill blazed a trail of empowerment, compassion,

and unity, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and in our

communities In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Do not go

where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and

leave a trail May his memory inspire us all to live our lives

with purpose, passion, and love.

Celebration of life service will be held Saturday July 1, 2023; 11 O'clock A.M., New Covenant International Christian Center,

4400 North N Street; Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Committal service and final resting place will be held at Forrest Park Cemetery; 5001 Midland Blvd., Fort Smith, Arkansas.