Reflections of Ricky’s Journey
Ricky Tyrone Gibson was born on December 8, 1956, in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, to his devoted parents, Norvell and Mary Gibson. He was the second of five siblings; his memory will forever live in our hearts.
Ricky's journey through life was marked by a profound connection to the spiritual realm. In his grade school years, he embarked on a spiritual journey that would guide him. Later in life he prayed a prayer of salvation with his first daughter and often prayed to Jesus Christ with his wife.
Ricky's educational journey led him to Northwest High School, where he laid the groundwork for a life dedicated to self-improvement and growth. His thirst for knowledge extended beyond high school as he pursued college courses in psychology.
In service to his nation, Ricky joined the United States Coast Guard, where he served with dedication and commitment for just under a year of active service and 5 years in the United States Coast Guard Reserve receiving an honorable discharge. As a culinary specialist, he displayed not only his love for cooking but also his devotion to serving others. His culinary skills would continue to flourish, leading to a remarkable career.
Ricky pursued his passion for culinary arts, becoming a sous chef and executive chef at award-winning restaurants in St. Louis. His culinary creations were a source of satisfaction for thousands of patrons, leaving a lasting impression in large sports and entertainment venues and in the culinary world. He also took pride in serving his family the best barbeque in the comfort of his own home, at family cookouts and reunions.
Ricky, affectionately known as "Ptah", Papa, Pops, Daddy O, and Ricky T. McGhee will be remembered for his phenomenal love for family, his hilarious comical spirit, his culinary expertise, his love for legendary musicians, and his unwavering pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and relatives, as well as in the fond memories of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
As we bid farewell to our beloved Ricky, may he find eternal peace, and may his spirit and life continue to inspire us all. Ricky is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Maria Gibson; siblings, Renae Gibson, Norvell Gibson Jr., Gerald Gibson, and Keith Gibson; sisters-in-law, Zee Gibson, and Carla Gibson; children, Melvin Campbell and his fiancé Twanda Wallace, Atum Gibson, Ishca Gibson, Nethra Hill and son-in-law, Chris Hill; grandchildren-Tamell Campbell, Melvin Campbell, Atum Gibson, Jr., Neko Gibson, Colin Hill, Destiny Hill, and Brooklyn Hill.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father Mary and Norvell Gibson. He will be dearly missed by cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
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