Wallace Doniell Ricks

Wallace Doniell Ricks was born in Sheffield, Alabama to the late Alexander Ricks Sr. and Ellen Ruth (Wallace) Ricks. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Barbara Ricks Powell, brother, Gary Ricks Sr, and grandson, Kariym Ricks Jr.  He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law, Booker T. Beckwith Sr. and brother-n-law, Booker T. Beckwith Jr.

He was a 1968 graduate of Trenholm High School.  Afterwards he attended Selma University where he became a member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.  He later attended the University of North Alabama with a concentration in business.  Having a desire to fellowship with and become a charitable member of the community, he joined the Masons.  While a young man, he became a member of First Missionary Baptist Church. 

He proudly served his country as a member of the Alabama National Guard as a reserve component of the army. He spent thirty-one years working for the Alabama Highway department as an assistant project engineer until his retirement.   Between his work hours, he found great joy in cooking and experimenting with various recipes, many of his own creations.  He eventually developed his own fish fry batter and barbecues sauce which found their way to supermarket shelves in the North Alabama area. His good cooking skills became widely known and led to him being asked to cater for various events.  However, his greatest joy was cooking for his family.  

 Wallace always had an interest in history and studying about various cultures throughout the world.  He also studied several spiritual groups. He had a strong desire to share his knowledge and celebrate with his community.  In 2001 he and his first cousin, the late Charles Ricks put their interest into action and founded the North Alabama African Heritage Festival whose theme is to educate, entertain and enlighten.  It has been an enjoyable event held at the Willie Green Community Center annually and has been a core part of the community since its inception.  Under his leadership as Board president, the African Heritage Board members decided that a permanent stage should be built for the various acts performed during the festival as well as for other community events.  They approached the City Council with the initial funds for the down payment of the project and convinced them to have the city contribute to its completion, as well as a covering for the stage.  Since then, it has been appreciated by many community members for a variety of events.  Through his leadership, the festival board also provided scholarships for some fortunate local students, bicycles for children, and turkeys for members of the community for the Thanksgiving holidays.

He leaves to cherish his memory:

a devoted wife of forty-five years, Carolyn Yvette Ricks, eight children, Reginald Alexander, Tonji Ricks Wright (Mike), Rodney Doniell Ricks (Tammy), Wallace Raemone Ricks (Jessica), Leron Jamil Ricks (Tiara), Jori Ameer Ricks (Roxane), Keturah Shani Ricks, Kariym Rashad Ricks (Cashala), thirty-seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He also leaves siblings Linda Diane Johnson, Alexander Ricks Jr. (Shelia), Norris Steven Ricks Sr. (Pamela), Cynthia Ricks Pollard, mother-in-law, Emma J. Beckwith, and sister n law Sharon D. Rucker (Bobby).  He also leaves a host of loving nieces, nephews and many friends.

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