Mr. Ricky Joe Newkirk was born on June 29, 1961 in Metter, Georgia to the late Charlie Lee Newkirk and Mrs. Minnie Lee Newkirk. He attended the public schools of Candler county and was a member of the Metter High School graduating Class of 1981. Ricky accepted Christ into his life at a young age, and joined Mercer Grove Baptist Church in Metter, Georgia. Later, he became a member of New Pentecostal Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. Ricky worked a variety of different jobs during his life time. While living in Virginia, he worked as a cook in many restaurants and he also worked in landscaping. Ricky returned back home to Georgia within the last few years, where he lived until the Lord called him home, to be with our Heavenly Father. He was preceded in death by his father, the late Charlie L. Newkirk; a brother, Jerome Griffin; and two sisters, Patricia Jones and Sara Haffaney; one niece and one nephew. Ricky leaves the following loved ones to cherish his memories: his wife, Mrs. Roxanna Newkirk of Largo, Maryland; his mother, Mrs. Minnie Newkirk of Metter, Georgia; four brothers: Mr. Bobby Carlie (Kathy) and Mr. Charles Newkirk, both of Metter, Georgia, Mr. Billy Newkirk (Patricia) of Dale City, Virginia and Mr. Robert Newkirk (Sally) of Millen, Georgia; one sister, Mrs. Loretta Mikell (Fred) of Metter, Georgia; three step-children, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.