Richard "Ricky" Waldrop

Richard (Ricky) Waldrop, born on March 10, 1951, in Bolivar, TN, was a beloved son of the late A.C. and Virginia Barnes Waldrop. With a heart full of adventure and an unquenchable spirit, Ricky lived life as an open road, weaving vibrant stories that captivated all who knew him.

A natural storyteller, Ricky delighted in recounting tales, from hitchhiking thousands of miles across the country as a fruit picker to finding love among the rows of a tomato patch, where he met Wanda, his beloved wife. His life was an anthology of such stories, each one marked by his love of the outdoors and a fierce independence that defined his character.

Ricky also lent his hands to the sawmill, where he found joy in the rhythm of hard work and the simplicity of nature. He embraced every ounce of life.

Ricky departed this life on May 18, 2025 in Jackson, Tennessee, at the age of 74 years, 2 months, and 8 days. He is survived by his son, David Eads of Selmer, TN; four sisters: Brenda Helton of Kremmling, CO, Linda Waldrop of Selmer, TN, Tracy Farris and her husband Danny of Hornsby, TN, and Stacy Spence and her husband Donnie of Bolivar, TN; a brother, Jeffery Waldrop of Middleton, TN, along with a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ricky was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Hawkins; a sister, Reba Waldrop; three brothers, Charles, Bobby, and Michael Waldrop.

As we celebrate Ricky's life, we remember a man who embraced each day as an adventure, who found joy in nature's beauty, and who loved deeply. Ricky Waldrop's legacy will forever remain in the stories shared, the laughter echoed, and the love felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.