Richard D. “Ricky” Weaver, Jr.

Richard D. “Ricky” Weaver, Jr., 72, died Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi. The funeral will be Monday, December 23, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Pastor Mozart Dor and Pastor Teresa Reeves officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1:00 P.M. A private burial will be held at Forest Hill South Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee.

Ricky was born on October 1, 1952, in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Rita Colley Weaver and Richard David Weaver. He immediately became the joy and light of his family, overflowing with unconditional love and genuine zeal for life. With a passion for sports and natural athleticism, Ricky was a swimmer in the Special Olympics. He was known for his unbelievable talent in the water, and found great fulfillment in competing with his fellow athletes. A resident of North Mississippi Regional Center, Ricky’s smiling face and friendly demeanor could always be counted on. He was a member of the NMRC basketball team, where he enjoyed practicing his skills and playing with others, and found joy each Christmas singing in the NMRC choir. Well known around Oxford, his social and outgoing nature made others feel welcome and loved. He loved going, no matter the destination, but especially loved going out to eat. He garnered friendly waves and shouts of, “Hey Ricky!” everywhere he went, finding the love he put into the world echoed right back at him by his community.

Of life’s many joys, Ricky’s favorites were pretty simple: he loved Diet Cokes, ice cream and steaks, and most of all, he loved being blessed with money. Maintaining a respectable stack of $1 bills, he was always prepared to stumble upon a vending machine and purchase an iced cold Diet Coke. When he would earn ribbons at NMRC, he would immediately share them with his mom, who would reward him with another dollar for his wallet. He had a disciple’s spirit, asking everyone he met if they went to church or knew Jesus. Ricky was a member of Oasis Church of all Nations, where he cherished the fellowship and worship music, and was always sure to give an offering. After hearing a sermon on the importance of giving, Ricky began to share his hard-earned dollars with the children at church, recognizing the same joy on their faces that he felt when given one. His kind and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all those who were fortunate enough to know him. In addition to his parents, Ricky was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Bartlett, and his nephew, Berry Stiverson.

Ricky is survived by his sister, Dee Dee Weaver of Oxford, Mississippi; three nieces and one nephew.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Ricky’s memory may be made to his beloved home, North Mississippi Regional Center, 967 Regional Center Drive, Oxford, Mississippi, 38655.