Obituary of Bobby Harrison Rickel

Bobby Harrison Rickel, age 84, a lifelong resident of Portland, TN was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother, uncle and friend. He passed away on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 1:20 PM at Alive Hospice-Nashville following a brief illness.

Bobby was born June 19, 1939 in Portland to the late Guy Silvester Rickel and Mazie Morrow Rickel. He is survived by his son, Ron Rickel, daughter-in-law Ashley Jordan Rickel, grandsons Harrison Rickel and Grayson Rickel of Birmingham, AL; brother, Randy Rickel (Jeri) of Nashville; sister, Ann Rickel of Florida and a multitude of loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 58 years, Vallie Josephine 'Jo' Rickel, and most recently his brother, Rolie Rickel.

Bobby was a baptized believer in Christ who had a heart of gold, infectious personality and smile. He was adored and affectionately known as 'Uncle Bob' to his many nieces and nephews and 'Pap' to his two grandsons.

He was a long-time member of Portland Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Days after finishing high school, Bobby started his own business and worked tirelessly serving customers for more than 55 years.

Bobby had a heart for helping others, especially those suffering hardships or simply down on their luck. In his younger adult years, he enjoyed working in his fruit and vegetable garden, fishing, baking, playing horseshoes, attending car shows, family reunions, and coaching his son's baseball team.

He was the family patriarch, hosting large Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings with his wife for many decades. A talented baker and cook, Bobby was known for many homemade recipes ranging from deviled eggs, hummingbird cake, sweet potato casserole, caramel, fudge, and old-fashioned divinity candy, to the best homemade banana and peach ice cream.

In his later years, Bobby was the primary caretaker for his wife, Jo, who suffered many years with Parkinson's disease. He enjoyed more leisurely activities like corn hole, dominoes, Rook, puzzles, eating pralines and cream ice cream, and any flavor milkshake.

Bobby lived the last two years of his life at White House Health Care. Thank you to all the staff, and especially Gloria Casas, for her special care and attention during his time at the facility.

The family is grateful for the love, compassion and dedication of family members, friends and caretakers who cared for Bobby in his final months, days and hours prior to entering the gates of Heaven.

Thank you to the doctors, nurses and medical assistants at TriStar Skyline Hospital and all the wonderful staff at Alive Hospice - Nashville for their care and compassion during Bobby's final days.

Sellers Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the cremation of Mr. Rickel. There will be no visitation, memorial or graveside service.

A family union is being planned for Spring, 2024 at Thurman Farms in celebration and honor of Bobby & Jo Rickel.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Alive Hospice - Nashville (1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203) the only non-profit hospice in Middle TN.