Long-time Ennis resident, Pastor H. Edward Ricks, passed from this life into his Heavenly home Wednesday, August 26, 2020.

H. Edward "Eddie" Ricks was born August 24, 1936 in Palestine, Texas to Horace Henry and Allie Mae Ricks. Eddie was an identical twin and the eldest of seven children.

He graduated from Maydelle High School in May 1955. He enjoyed singing in the JBC Men's Quartet as he continued his education at Jacksonville Baptist College in Jacksonville, Texas 1956 – 1958. While working as a nursing assistant at Rusk State Hospital, he met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Conway, who also worked as a nursing assistant. They married on February 14, 1961 and were blessed with three children.

Eddie surrendered to preach the Gospel soon after high school. He pastored his first church, Parkview Missionary Baptist in Malakoff, Texas while continuing to work as a full-time employee for the Texas Department of Highways in Athens, Texas. In April of 1973 he followed God's direction and became the full-time pastor of the Anthony Drive Baptist Church in Ennis and served there for more than 30 years. He had a great love for music and some fondest memories were of his family singing together. He not only had a beautiful singing voice which he used in his service to God, but he could also wonderfully whistle any melody.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara Ann (Conway) Ricks, daughter Kasha Adams (Brad) of Rockwall, Tx; son, Keith Ricks of Ennis; daughter Kemelia Patrick (Adam) of Crandall, Tx. Grandchildren Lenzie Benjamin (Josh), Nikolaus Adams (Heather), Zakary Adams, Lacey Morris (Will), Andrew Patrick (Katelyn), Anna Patrick, and Timothy Ricks (Jessica); 12 great-grandchildren with two on the way; 3 brothers Tommy, Bobby, and Don; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and a host of wonderful friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Allie Mae Ricks; twin brother, Harvey Lee Ricks; sisters, Marie Boykin and Hazel Webb; and daughter-in-law, Cindy Ricks.

Bro. Ricks dedicated his life to his service for the Lord. He had a love for people and wanted to help them love and follow Christ. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, Dad, Granddad, Great-Granddad, brother, friend, mentor, confidant, and overall inspiration.

He will lie in state at the Keever Funeral Home in Ennis where friends are invited to pay respects. The service honoring and celebrating his life will be held at the Keever Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 10:00am. Due to COVID concerns, a formal visitation is not scheduled; however, the chapel will be open 30 minutes prior to the service (9:30am) for visitation. Masks are required. A private burial will be at Oaklawn Memorial Cemetery, Athens, TX.

www.jekeevermortuary.com