John Rickard

John was born on July 18, 1926, in Burma, where his father served as President of Judson College, University of Rangoon. When the Japanese invaded in World War II, the Rickards and their four sons escaped by walking 150 miles into India before returning to their home in San Francisco. John was a US Army veteran of World War II. He attended Yale University School of Languages and graduated with a Political Science degree from Bucknell University. He married Marjorie Lawler, his college sweetheart, and the family lived in several foreign countries while he served on US Government assignments. After retirement from government service, John accepted a position in International Security with R.J. Reynolds and the family moved to North Carolina. John was blessed with many creative talents, including portrait painting and carpentry. He built a copy of a British 1952 MG sports car which he enjoyed driving around the Winston-Salem area. He had a legendary sense of humor with an endless collection of jokes and stories. Faith and family were John's most important values. He served as a past chairman of Habitat for Humanity, a mentor in the Big Brothers program, a volunteer at The Arts Enrichment Center and a deacon and Sunday school teacher at the Lewisville Baptist Church. He received two commendations from the city of Winston-Salem for his volunteer service. He is survived by three children: John S. Rickard (Martha), Patricia R. Luthy (John), and Carolyn Rickard-Brideau (Scott); six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His was a life well-lived in service to others and he will be remembered with love and with a smile. A service to celebrate his life will be held at the Lewisville Baptist Church on Saturday, April 8th at 11:00 AM. Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel is serving the family of Mr. Rickard.