Ricky R. Shuford, 64, was born in Iredell County, on September 9, 1960, to the late William Shuford Jr. and Eloise Rankin Shuford. He departed this life on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Deal Care Inn- Assisted Living in Mooresville, N.C.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Jules Shuford (Queen) and Frances Rankin; grandparents; William Shuford Sr. (Emma) and John Rankin (Carrie); aunts and uncles; Nathaniel Shuford, Alphonzo Shuford, Martha Flowers (Willie), Bertha Roseboro, Cora Lee Powell (Charlie), Zelda Mae Shuford, Ethelene Shuford Johnson (Jim), Maggie Shuford Setzer (Wilbur), Ina Moser (Blake), Louise Moten (Tommy), John Rankin (Geneva), Will Rankin (Mildred), Lolie Rankin (Mary), Albert Rankin (Sadie), and Naomi Stinson (Sam).

He was employed at Heilig Meyers Furniture Company as a bill collector. He was a 1979 graduate of Statesville High School.

Ricky enjoyed playing football, track, baseball, and working as a lifeguard. He was authentically competitive. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 362. Ricky attended Elon College, where he was a walk-on football player, and then Mitchell Community College, and he graduated cum laude from Livingston College with a degree in accounting. He attended St. John Baptist Church, First Greater Living Church, Statesville, N.C., and Victory Christian Center, Charlotte, N.C.

Ricky leaves to cherish the memory of his life, his siblings, William B. Shuford, Tonda Millsaps (Teddy), and Gaile Pharr of Charlotte; nephews, Nicholas Millsaps and Byron Millsaps (Sabrina); nieces, Angela Chisholm (Jonathan) and Michelle Pharr; great nieces, and nephews, Chandler Millsaps, Ava Gray, Byron Millsaps Jr.; aunts Barbara Shuford and Patricia Shuford; and a host of other cousins, other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home on Friday, December 27, 2024. At 12:30 p.m. Visitation will be from 12 to 12:30 p.m. Pastor Jonathan Chisholm will bring the eulogy and burial will follow in the Belmont Cemetery. Visit the book of memories for Ricky R. Shuford at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.

Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the Shuford family.