Ricky Ray McGill
1950 - 2023
Date of Death: June 12, 2023
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
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.