ROCKINGHAM — For decades, the smile and grace of “Pastor Ricky” blessed Richmond County’s youth and Richmond Senior High School’s athletics programs.
Richard Jacobs, who was affectionately known by many as “The Rev” or “Preacher Ricky”, lost his nearly month-long battle for his life on Saturday morning.
He was admitted to a Moore County hospital on Sept. 6, according to Southside Freewill Baptist Church’s Facebook page. The church updated Jacobs’ status almost daily during that time, explaining he was on a BiPAP machine and fighting pneumonia.
On Sept. 10, he was placed on a ventilator and doctors said “he will be on it for at least two weeks,” according to the church. The same Facebook post mentioned that medications for pneumonia or COVID-19 were not working.
Another update on Sept. 21 stated Jacobs had been moved to the “ICU COVID floor.” Two nights later, the Richmond Raiders lit up Raider Stadium in a glow of green light to show support for the Rev.
A post by the church confirmed his death at 2:36 a.m. on Saturday. He was 68 years old.
A United States Army veteran, Jacobs practiced ministry for 36 years. He spent 34 of those years as the pastor of Southside FWB in Ellerbe. Jacobs also spent time as a substitute teacher at Richmond.
His work in the ministry spilled over into the local sports scene, as Pastor Ricky was considered by many to be the Richmond Raiders’ No. 1 fan. Jacobs was also an advocate for middle school athletics, known to wear a ball cap or shirt representing any of the four Richmond County middle schools.
Known for always having a bag of gum and sunflower seeds, Jacobs made sure that players, coaches, fans and kids had something to snack on.
During Raider football games, Preacher Jacobs carried around towels and water bottles on the sideline and kept players upbeat. He also led the team in a postgame prayer following every edition of Friday night lights.
Head football coach Bryan Till first met Pastor Ricky shortly after he was hired nearly four years ago. The two formed a special relationship, like Jacobs did with many, and nearly each week since Pastor Ricky would call and pray with Till.
Coach Till took to social media on Saturday to share his thoughts on the loss of such a strong pillar in the Richmond community.
“I woke up this morning to the news that my great friend Pastor Ricky Jacobs had passed last night,” Till tweeted. “I am broken hearted and selfishly hurting because I will miss him SO MUCH. I know where he is without a doubt and I am happy for him. I thank GOD that our paths were entwined.
“Those of you who knew him will have vivid memories brought to you and those who didn’t will get a little understanding of how great and humble a man he was,” he continued of a voice recording he shared of Jacobs praying for him. “God help those of us here to heed his example of service.”
Junior defensive lineman J.D. Lampley was one of dozens of Raider athletes to take to social media and remember the man who was a staple on the sidelines.
“Thank you for always bringing a positive energy on Friday nights, praying over us and making sure we had water during timeouts and on the sideline. And everything else you have done for us. Rest In Peace Rev.”
At other sporting events like basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball and softball, he made his presence felt by cheering on the Raiders from the stands. He often sat amongst the families of players and made a trip to the bench before and after games to hand out snacks, ask players how they were doing and pray with them.
The Rev often wore a Raider green and gold shirt that read “Jesus Saves” on the back, but was inclined to have a good time with players and coaches. Last year, he and former running back Jaheim Covington had a dance battle on the sidelines before a game.
“Raider athletics lost their greatest fan. Raider games will not be the same without him,” Richmond head principal Jim Butler tweeted. “We will feel that loss for a long time. But I feel sure that when it comes time to play, he is going to have the best seat in the house. The Raiders know that he will still be watching.”
Greg Williams, the Raiders’ wide receiver coach and assistant head coach also shared his thoughts on Jacobs’ passing.
“My entire family is sad about the passing of Rev. Jacobs. He was like a member of our family. The great thing about Rev. is he was like a member to most families. We will surely miss the man that loved Jesus, people, and the Raiders, but we will never forget him. We love Rev!”
Many other schools, players and coaches joined in on the celebration of Jacobs’ life on social media.
Some included Grays Creek High School’s band, Scotland High School head football coach Richard Bailey, Pinecrest High School head football coach Chris Metzger, Hoke County High School’s chaplain Robin Hammonds and East Mecklenburg High School’s athletics department.
Jacobs’ funeral will be Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Raider Stadium. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 100 people may be allowed to attend. Due to the size of his family, ministers and funeral home staff, the capacity of 100 will be met.
All attending will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Therefore, those who wish to attend from their automobiles and park in the stadium parking lot can listen to the service from their radios. There will also be live streaming of the funeral on the Southside FWB Church Facebook page.
