Obituary

William lewis “rick” rickenbacker, 88 of charleston, passed away on
friday, march 11, 2016 at the hubbard hospice house, charleston.
He was born on august 26, 1927 to the late lewis and allie rickenbacker.
“rick” as bill rickenbacker was known to his wife, family, friends and
past customers was the consummate gentleman, husband, father,
grandfather and great grandfather.  he came to charleston in 1951 to
work for frankenbergers and eventually brought his beautiful bride
betty from harlan, kentucky.  they made their home in kanawha city
where rick took the bus to work downtown for almost 30 years.  rick
and betty raised two wonderful daughters suzanne and laura and were
blessed with four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  they
were members of kanawha city baptist church where rick accepted
christ as his personal savior at the age of 31.  he served as a deacon,
the church treasurer, sang in the choir, was a baptist youth fellowship
leader and a sunday school teacher for 10 years.  they eventually
moved to the baptist temple where they were members for several
years and before eventually moving to and becoming members of the
bible center where their daughters and their families attended.  over
the years rick participated in many volunteer activities including meals
on wheels, the care ministry at his church and helping take care of his
neighbors when needed.
Rick worked at frankenbergers for 32 years until it closed and
 then worked at kelleys for six additional years until retiring in 1989.
Rick always looked immaculate in his suits, ties and mirror shined
florsheims.  his appearance was a reflection of his determination to be
the total professional while selling shoes.  he may not have always
remembered your name but you could be sure he would remember
your shoe size.  his perspective was that “shoes made the man”.
No shoes were ever purchased for the grandchildren or great
grandchildren without prior approval from “bop-bop” as he was
affectionately known.
No matter where rick and his family traveled, he would always
run into someone that he knew and a long conversation would follow.
He loved kentucky basketball and followed all things wvu. 
his day always began with a large glass of his favorite orange juice
 and his favorite pastime was being outdoors in the sunshine, doing
yard work, reading or just enjoying the weather. If the sun was out and
it was warm enough you could find him sitting in the yard working on
his tan which was second to none.  with his beautiful silver hair, he 
 was movie star handsome always.
He passed peacefully into the loving arms of his savior jesus christ
on march 11^th surrounded by all of his beloved family members after a
very short stay at the hubbard hospice house. 
the family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of
camc memorial and eastbrook who took care of him during his
illness.   most importantly, we would like to thank god’s angels at
hubbard house who cared for him and his family during the last
two days of his life.  these very special people made the most difficult
 time in our lives, a peaceful and beautiful experience, helping him
leave this earth surrounded by his family and wrapped in love and
cared for with tender hands and loving hearts.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, betty; daughters, laura ashley (perry)
 
and suzanne lackey (richard); sister, norma durr of fairfield, oh and charlene
 
suldovsky of tampa, fl; grandchildren, ryan ashley, emily rawlings, brett ashley (laura)
 
and brooks ashley; great-grandchildren; thomas rawlings, william rawlings and
 
mason ashley.
 
funeral service will be 1 p.M. Tuesday, march 15, 2016 at the bible center church,
 
100 bible center drive, charleston, wv 25314, with rev. David bess officiating. 
 
visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the service at the church.
 
in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to
the hubbard hospice house so that they can continue to do god’s work
and comfort more families through their most difficult days.