Dear Sandra and Everyone, I am so sorry for your (our) loss of Uncle Rick. He was such a a very nice man with an enormously generous heart and also lots of fun. The world was and is better for him having been here for all of us

This post is from Marsha Davis, Rick's sister:

This is NOT a very merry unbirthday, Ferdinand, and it is ALL your fault!

Thinking of my dad on his birthday today. He made sure that our visits together were always memorable. When I was 10 years old and told him that I wanted to see my first baseball game, he drove all of us from Dayton to Cincinnati. We sat in the pouring rain for hours just so that I could see a Reds game for my birthday. He always made sure that we did something special when I visited (amusement park, state fair, concert, etc.). I am so grateful for all of the wonderful memories.

Happy Birthday Dad! I miss you today and every day.

I'm saddened to hear of Rick's passing. We were members of the Single Parents at Crossroads Fellowship for many years. I will always think of him in a turtle neck sweater, his trademark look. The Victorian home in Wake Forest was magnificent and took a lot of work and money to restore. My prayers to his children. They may remember my children, Barrett & Collin Butcher from youth group. May God bring you his peace. I am planning to come to the service at the garden tomorrow AM.