Leodus "Blackie" Rickett

Leodus Rickett, 83, of Jacksonville went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 23, 2013. He was better known as Blackie to all of his friends and loved ones. He was born on Thursday, May 16, 1929 in Romance to the late Davis and Stella (McDowell) Rickett. Blackie had several jobs during his life of 83 years. He was a welder, steel hanger, sand blaster, and garbage man. His favorite pass times were spoiling his three girls and fishing. He is survived by his daughter, Nelda Rushing and son-in-law, Paul Rushing of Harrison; two granddaughters, Samantha Davidson of Harrison and Katye Rushing of Milstadt, Ill.; three sisters, Nita Charette of Austin, Ark., Janell Downes of Cabot, and Louise Blackmon of Ward; brother, Brent Rickett of Jacksonville; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many, many, friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth (Gossett) Rickett; sisters, Ivy Davidson, Opal Armstrong, and Lee Atris Hopper; and brothers, Cotton Rickett, Red Rickett, and Dalton Rickett. Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway with Brother Larry Robertson officitating. Burial will follow at Cato Cemetery with John Ed Armstrong, Curt Craig, William Harold Davidson, Alan Downes, Pete Gass, Jerry Gossett, Michael Nichols, Donnie Rickett, Joe Rickett, and Dale Willis. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., on Wednesday, April 24, 2013. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.