Rickey Rochell Courtney, 62, of Monticello, passed away Wednesday, April 6, at St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock. He was born May 27, 1959, to Joyce (L. Edward Sawyer) and Julius (Lillie Wherry) of Monticello. Preceding him in death were his parents and grandparents, Babe and Carrie Courtney and his uncle, Thomas Courtney.
Rickey is the son-in-law of Margaret Ridgell of Monticello, mother of Denise. Rickey was loved and highly respected by her family of sisters, brothers, nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Courtney was a member of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church where he was a trustee and choir member. Rickey graduated from Monticello High School in 1977. He enjoyed playing basketball and running track while in school.
Rickey spent 20 years as a mechanic at Burlington Industries. Later, he accepted employment with Advantages of Southeast Arkansas, Inc., where he served as a mentor/caregiver. In the Monticello area, Rickey served as a foster parent for over 20 years. Rickey spent a huge portion of his earthly time serving others.
Courtney, along with Al Peer sponsored and held the first ''Back to School Extravaganza” for the youth of the Monticello in 1992. Rickey also organized the ''Babe Courtney Softball League'' in Monticello. With the help of his good friend, Dennis Johnson Sr., they sponsored this softball tournament for several years, which drew old and young adult men out to the field. With so many teams participating, some of the games had to be played late into the night.
On June 6, 1995, at Morning Star Baptist Church, Denise Yvonne Ridgell joined Rickey Rochell Courtney at the altar to pledge their wedding vows together. On February 26, 1991, the couple was blessed with a precious baby girl, whom they named Michel'e Rickel Courtney. A few years later, Rickey and Denise shared their home, life, family, and love with two special and cherished daughters: Marisha Levine (Euphrates) and Shelby Mays, just a few years later, Shelby's daughter Kimani Leggs, was born and became the apple of Rickey's eyes. Rickey was so elated to witness Marisha and Euphrates' wedding. Through the years, Rickey got to spend a lot of time with some of his neighborhood nieces and nephews: Corey, Donald, Eric, DeNesha, CJ, Jacorious, and Renaldo. Rickey stayed connected with all of his nieces' and nephews' endeavors and accomplishments no matter how far or near.
In the Monticello community, Rickey equipped himself to serve as a father figure and a coach to a number of young youth, especially those who played on his PeeWee Basketball team, Little League Baseball team, or AAU team(s). Rickey spent time picking up his players for practice and again to play ball and returning them back home. Along the way, he fed them and gave them a sense of belonging. He taught them team respect and good sportsmanship.
Rickey was extremely proud of the ''A's Team''. This was the year that Rickey was able to coach two of his nephews and also won the championship that year. Rickey also took pride in coaching his first peewee basketball team of girls called the ''JAZZ''. Rickey spent a lot of time teaching them the fundamentals and lessons of life.
Rickey also found time to showcase his skills to his family and friends with his cooking talents. On many days, you could find Rickey in the family's kitchen mixing, beating, blending, or whipping up a pound cake, lemon icebox pie, baked beans, Mexican cornbread, dressing, or ribs and chicken which were some of his favorite dishes to prepare.
Rickey was the owner of ''Simply The Best BBQ'' and it was just that, Simply The Best BBQ. On the right day, you could count on getting a taste of some of those delicious foods that were prepared on a regular basis for employees of the Monticello Police Department and the Burlington Industries, as well as for community supporters who loved good food. Ricky also enjoyed watching Saturday morning cooking channels.
In support of relaxation, Ricky found time to watch Family Feud with Steve Harvey and Swamp People. He enjoyed fishing with his buddies, visiting with his good friends, Bo Ferrell, Tommy Daniels, and many more. His overall passion was spending time with his family.
Ricky is survived by his loving daughters: Michel'e Courtney of the home, Marisha Levine (Euphrates) of Little Rock and Shelby Mays and her daughter, Kimani Leggs of Little Rock. Ricky is further survived by his devoted and cherished wife, Denise Yvonne Courtney of thirty-six years; siblings, Becky Daniels of Monticello, Beverly Thomas of Little Rock, Rev. Dewayne Courtney (Essie) of Little Rock, Rev. Sam Wherry (Dorothy) of Little Rock, and John Wesley Hubbard of Monticello; his aunts: Eartha Veasey, Monticello, Doris Davis, Warren, JoAnnWeaver, Little Rock, Alice Williams (Alex) of Tulsa, Okla. and Jacqueline Thompson, McKinney, TX; one uncle, Bobby Courtney (Jewelette) of Pine Bluff; a brother-in-law: Charles Ridgell, Jr. Monticello and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, class of 1977, co-workers, and mentees that he served.
