Funeral services for Mr. Billy Max Ricks will be on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Wesson, Mississippi, at 11 a.m. with burial to follow in the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Wesson, Mississippi. Bro. Zach Kilpatrick will be officiating the services with Brookhaven Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be at Brookhaven Funeral Home on Friday, April 12, 2019, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and will continue at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Saturday, April 13, 2019, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m.

Bill Ricks, lovingly known to many as “Papa Bill” went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 7, 2019, at his residence in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Bill was born to Zack and Effie Ricks on August 23, 1938, in Eudora, Arkansas. At the earliest age possible, Bill Enlisted into the U.S Army and served in the Korean war as a member of the 82nd Airborne division. Following his military service, he worked for Ford Motor Co. as a service department manager until he retired.  Finally settling down in Brookhaven, he along with his wife and son opened BH&A Enterprises Mechanic shop where he took pride in his belief that “If he couldn’t fix it then it couldn’t be fixed.” Bill had a great love of music and never missed an opportunity to talk to anyone, often leaving them with a smile by sharing his great sense of humor. He was a loving husband, father, paw-paw, great-grandpa and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bud and Junior Ricks; two sons, John Ricks and Anthony Melancon; and a daughter, Lori Charrie.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Hoytense Smith Ricks; sons, Terry Ricks (Tammy), Billy Ricks and Alan Melancon (Samantha); daughters, Sissy Camel (Jack), Lisa Webb (Jason), Susan Hogan and Lisa Ricks; daughter-in-law, Terri Hux (Kyle); sister, Lois Ricks; 24 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren, family and friends.

Pallbearers are Myles Melancon, Grant Melancon, Jake Webb, Max Webb, Donavon Webb, Devon Webb, J T Ricks, Josh Ricks, Jason Ricks and Josh Trissler.

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