Willie McCoy Ricks, of Suffolk, born on Nov. 11, 1940, and a native of Nansemond County, passed away Monday, Jan. 12, 2004, in Obici Hospital.

During his early years, he was a product of the East Suffolk High school where he was very active in sports. His love for football led him to a scholarship to Kentucky State University, where he majored in biology. He was inducted into the Kentucky Football Hall of Fame.

After graduation, he returned home to teach and coach in the Suffolk Public School System for 36 years, retiring from the Lakeland High School. One of his greatest accomplishments was to win the AA Boys’ State Basketball Championship for Forest Glen High School. McCoy was instrumental in the recruitment process of several area youths to go on to higher education.

McCoy was also instrumental in starting the Christmas Classic Basketball Tournament for Suffolk Public Schools. His tenacious attitude for sports, his love for biology, earned him mutual respect from his many students, and colleagues as well. His winning smile will always be remembered in the hearts of all.

McCoy was a former member of Metropolitan Baptist Church under the direction of Dr. Melvin Boone, and also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Mr. Ricks was a Unity Brother of Suffolk.

Left to cherish his lasting memory: a loving devoted wife, Beverly C. Ricks; four daughters, Caressa Ricks and Coreshia Ricks, both of Suffolk; Sabrina Wescott (Frazier) and Toni Love, both of Colorado Springs, Colo.; two sons, Corney and Corey Ricks, both of Suffolk; one brother, James C. Ricks (Barbara) of Chesapeake; two sisters, Hattie D. Lyons and Rosella R. Sanders, both of Suffolk; one uncle, Leslie J. Everett (Dorothy) of Suffolk; three brothers-in-law, Michael Coats of Caprio, Texas; and Alton Coats and Derrick Coats, both of Suffolk; three sisters-in-law, Jorene Bagley, Cathy Holloway (Larry), and Angela Miles, all of Suffolk; one granddaughter, Jozlyn Love of Colorado Springs; one grandson, Frazier Wescott Jr. of Colorado Springs; one niece, Tiffany Ricks of Chesapeake; two nephews, Terrell Ricks of Chesapeake, and Terence Gill of Suffolk; and other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

McCoy was preceded in death by his mother, Marie Ricks Mayfield; father, Elmore Ricks; and stepfather, Willie C. Mayfield.

The Rev. Dr. Melvin R. Boone will hold the private graveside service of celebration at 1 p.m. Saturday in Holy Lawn Cemetery.

There will be no public viewing. The family will receive friends at the residence, 405 Roosevelt Drive. Crocker Funeral Home is handling arrangements.