Rickey Zander Davis, a man who lived his life with the kind of gusto that could light up the darkest of rooms, has taken his final curtain call on January 28, 2025, in Fadette, Alabama. Born on July 18, 1968, in the sunny state of Florida, Rickey’s life was a journey filled with laughter, horsepower, and a touch of mischief.
Rickey was the kind of guy who could fix anything with duct tape and a smile. He was the handy wizard in a family that cherished his wisdom and his knack for turning the mundane into the extraordinary. His parents, Rubin Z. Davis and Luda Mae Baxley Davis, along with his siblings Mary Peacock, Cathy Mae Davis, and Bobby Davis, surely greeted him with open arms and a heavenly chuckle as he joined them in the great beyond.
Left to cherish his memory his son, Bray Davis; daughter, April Davis (David Williams); granddaughter, Emmalyn Annmae Davis; sisters, Judy Gillis and Sherene Hammerbacher; and brothers, James Davis and Ray Davis.
A veteran of the United States Navy, Rickey served his country with honor and brought that same dedication to every aspect of his life. He was a man who loved cars, not just the shiny new ones, but the ones that had stories to tell and memories to share. He was a staple at drag races, where his cheers were as legendary as the cars zooming by.
Rickey’s love for bonfires was only matched by his love for his friends and family. He was the life of every gathering, often found dabbling in the devil’s lettuce, which he claimed added a special flavor to his already colorful tales. His booming voice, shouting his favorite rally cry, “Raise Hell Praise Dale!” could be heard echoing through the night, a testament to his free spirit and zest for life.
The words that best describe Rickey are “handy” and “wise,” but they only scratch the surface of a man who was a mentor, a confidant, and the unofficial mayor of every gathering. He had a joke for every occasion, a pat on the back for every achievement, and a listening ear for anyone in need.
A Graveside Service will be held at a later date, where friends and family will gather not to mourn, but to celebrate a man who taught us all how to live with laughter in our hearts.
