Michael Addison Ricker

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our friend and loved one, Mike Ricker, 53, who died unexpectedly on Monday, October 20, 2014 at WakeMed Cary Hospital in Cary, NC. Mike was born in Cincinnati, OH on September 8, 1961. In 1994, Mike married Kammy Joy Boyette of Garner, NC at First Baptist Church, Clayton. For four years, Mike and Kammy built a strong marriage and happy home before welcoming their daughter, Madison Nicole Ricker in 1997. For the past 13 years, Mike, Kammy and Madison resided in Fuquay-Varina, NC. Mike worked at Murray Supply Company in the Raleigh Division where he was employed for the last seven years. Always a dutiful employee, Mike was honored time and again for his reliability, loyalty and solid work ethic. His employers knew they could count on Mike and were better for having such a trustworthy and safe employee. Always ready with a joke, firm hug and caring heart, anyone fortunate enough to know Mike could count on him to be a faithful and true friend. Although he was physically strong, he possessed a tender heart and playful spirit. The children in his life, his daughter, nieces and nephews could always expect his quick wit and loving nature to make them feel valued and important. It was clear that Mike took great joy in interacting with children. Their vulnerability and playfulness seemed to bring out the child in him. Along with family, Mike was passionate about NC State football, Cincinnati Bengals and Reds and was a big Jeff Gordon fan. Funny, compassionate, warm and friendly, Mike Ricker brought out the very best of all of us who were fortunate to be a part of his life. He will be missed in unspeakable ways. Mike Ricker is survived by: wife of 20 years, Kammy and daughter Madison ; mother, Betty Stidham Cochran and Stepfather, Donnie Cochran; sisters Kim Gayden, Shawna Ouzts and her husband Bert , Lisa Maier and her husband Dwayne King and half-sisters Michelle Ricker and Bethany Ricker ; Mother - lw, Zola Boyette; brothers-in-law George Boyette and wife Kelly Boyette and Todd Boyette and wife Keri Boyette ; nieces Erica Strickland and Ashley Boyette; nephews: Logan Ouzts, Colin , William and Garrett Boyette; great niece, Savannah Strickland. Predeceased by father, Clifford “Jack” Ricker and Uncles Bill Stidham & Bobby Stidham.We will celebrate his life on Friday, October 24, 2014 at 1:00 PM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Chapel, Garner. The family will receive friends and relatives Friday from 11:00 - 1:00 PM prior to the service. The burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Newton Grove, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Diabetes Assn. 2418 Blue Ridge Rd. Ste. 206 Raleigh, NC 27607.