It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Richard “Ricky” Carmichael of Rockingham on July 14 at home — surrounded by his wife, Sylvia, of 54 years, and his son, Rick (fiancee Nancy Lanteigne) who he loved dearly.
Ricky graduated from Hamlet High School, class of ’68 and attended Pembroke University. Born on June 17, 1950 in Hamlet, he was the son of the late Duncan and Majorie (Anderson) Carmichael. He was a devoted husband, Daddy, Papa and friend.
He is survived by his granddaughters, Destiny (Carmichael) Martin and Danielle Carmichael; brother, Artie Carmichael; brother-in-law, Jessie Currie, whom Ricky considered a brother; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Along with his parents, he was preceded by death by his mother-in-law, Mary Currie; and brother-in-law, Thomas Currie.
He was a simple man with much integrity. His main focus was always providing his family with the best life possible without worrying about himself.
Ricky served his country proudly with the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division, “The First Team,” Assault Helicopter Battalion during the Vietnam War. While serving he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two gold stars, and the Bronze Medal.
After returning home from the war, he worked for Industrial Sheet Metal/Trane as estimating manager until his retirement. Ricky was a member of the Kiwanis Club and the American Legion. He got great pleasure from golf, hunting and fishing, especially with his son. Also, he was an avid NASCAR fan and NCSU supporter. Other interests included reading and watching Westerns. In his early years, he got much joy repairing cars with Jessie at no cost to those in need. He was blessed with the gift of repairing or fixing just about anything.
To honor Ricky’s request, he will be laid to rest next to his parents. A graveside service will be held at Mary Love Cemetery in Hamlet on Wednesday, July 17 at 10 a.m. Dr. James Lankford will officiate the service, and military honors will be presented.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Kidney Foundation at 7413 Six Forks Rd, #255, Raleigh, NC 27601; or Tunnel to Towers Foundation at 2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306; or a charity of your choice.
The family thanks Hal Hunt and his amazing staff at the Home Base Primary Care Program for relieving veterans from a trip to a primary doctor’s office. Notable nurses Annette Dial, Samantha Powell, Dinata Wilkes, Amy Murphy and Michelle Cooper. Also, the family is grateful to the staff of Hospice of Richmond County for their kindness over the past six weeks, especially Haley Plyer and Tammy Ownes.
Rick was truly a wonderful man and will forever be missed by his family and all who were blessed to know him.
The family will greet guests after the service and other times at the home.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Carmichael family.
