Jeffrey C. Rickards, Air Force retiree
Jeffrey C. Rickards, 60, of Panama City, Fla., gained his angel’s wings Thursday, June 16, 2022, at Christiana Care Center, Christiana.
The son of the late Sylvester “Mickey” Rickards and Joyce Rickards was a 1980 graduate of Cape Henlopen High School, Lewes. Jeff, as he was known to family and friends, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from high school. Jeff traveled to places such as the United Kingdom, Japan, California and Florida as a chief turbine engine mechanic for the military. While residing in Panama City, he met his beautiful wife, Cristina. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2002 as a technical sergeant. He was employed by Pratt & Whitney, located in Patuxent River, Md., as a turbine engine mechanic. His co-workers referred to him as a humble and loving person.
Jeff enjoyed watching westerns, action movies, playing video games and spending time with family. Jeff was known for his enthusiastic sense of humor. Jeff received his Christian baptism at age 10, and became a member of Friendship United Methodist Church, Millsboro, at age 13, under the leadership of Rev. Jacob Caulk in 1975. He was also a member of the Friendship youth choir. He rededicated his life to Christ in the privacy of his Lexington Park, Md., home.
Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, his father, Sylvester “Mickey” Rickards Sr.; his mother, Joyce E. Rickards; and his brother, Eric A. Rickards Sr.
Jeff leaves behind to treasure his memories, his wife of 24 years, Cristina Rickards; son, Ryan Westray of Panama City, Fla.; daughters: Arisha Tagoe-Jacquez (Kelvin), Cachelle Rickards and Courtney Rickards of England; brothers: Sylvester “Mark” Rickards Jr., (Jona) of Millsboro, Stanford Rickards (Beverly) of Frederica, and Lloyd “Chris” Rickards of Chesapeake, Va.; sisters: Joyce “Niecey” Rickards and Sharon Elzey (Bill), both of Millsboro; seven grandchildren; Nakiyah, Nevaeh, Nate, Nemari, Jayla-Rae, Kmya and Kairo; two aunts, two uncles, and a host of nephews, nieces, great-nephews, -nieces, cousins, and friends.
A private memorial service will be held Saturday, July 9.
Cards may be sent to: Mrs. Cristina Rickards, 7006 Fox Court, Panama City, FL 32404, or The Rickards Family, 26860 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro, DE 19966.
The family would like to thank ChristianaCare’s ICU and MICU teams, Christiana, for the outstanding service provided during their loved one’s stay, and Evan W. Smith Funeral Services, Dover, for the final preparation of sending our loved one home.
Additional information can be located at evanwsmithfuneralservices.com.
May God continue to bless you and your families.
