Pernell Ricks, 55, of the 200 block of Jouster Way, died Thursday, September 29, 2005 at his residence. He was a native of Southampton County and son of Mrs. Mary M. Ricks and the late Joel W. Ricks.

He was a 1968 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School and attended Tidewater Community College. He was a maintenance worker for the Suffolk Public School System. He was a faithful member of Greater First Baptist Church, Orlando. He was a Deacon, member of the choir and served faithfully on the Transportation Ministry. He was a member of the Men’s Fellowship, a member of the Promise Keepers Prayer, Praise Bible Study Group and the Missionary Ministry. He enjoyed visiting the sick and shut-ins.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Tonya Pitt Ricks; a daughter, Mrs. Yolanda Ricks Russell and her husband Derek of Brooklyn, N.Y.; four sons, Mr. Pernell Artis of Suffolk, Mr. Jamard Kee and his wife, Lakeisha of Chesapeake, Mr. Timothy Canon, and Mr. Derrand Canon, both of Suffolk; his mother, Mrs. Mary M. Ricks; three sisters, Mrs. Elois Johnson and her husband Nathaniel, Rev. Betty Montgomery and her husband, Thomas, and Mrs. Joyce R. Jones, all of Suffolk; three brothers, Mr. Clarence Ricks and his wife Catherine of Ivor, Mr. Joel W. Ricks, and Mr. Winston M. Ricks, both of Suffolk; father-in-law, Mr. Syvalius Pitt; mother-in-law, Mrs. Elizabeth Pitt; one aunt, Mrs. Catherine Wyatt; a devoted cousin, Mr. Henry Wyatt and a host of other cousins, nephews, nieces, and special friends.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2005 in Greater First Baptist Church, Orlando by Pastor Henry G. Baker. Interment will be in Roosevelt Memorial Park in Chesapeake. Crocker Funeral Home is handling arrangements.