Rickey G Dick

Rickey Garthel Dick, 73, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026, in Sebring, Florida.

Rickey was born on June 6, 1953, in Albertville, Alabama, to Robert and Carolyn Dick.

Rickey proudly served his country in the Army National Guard and later in the United States Navy Submarine Service for three years before dedicating his life to public service. He served the people of Florida for 30 years as a Florida Highway Patrol State Trooper and was elected Sheriff of Hardee County. Throughout his life, he remained committed to protecting and serving others. He was a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church.

Away from his years of public service, Rickey enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved speck fishing, riding motorcycles, and bringing old cars and tractors back to life. But his favorite place in the world was the back porch of his home in northeast Alabama, where he found peace and contentment.

Above all, Rickey loved his family. He and his beloved wife, Susan, shared 50 years of marriage filled with love, faith, and devotion. One of Rickey's greatest blessings and proudest accomplishments was the family they built together. He often said that one of the greatest joys of his life was seeing the adults his children became.

Throughout their childhood, whenever Travis or Kimberly set out to do something, Rickey would simply tell them, "Make Dad proud." They always did. As adults, they continued to live lives that made him proud every single day.

His greatest pride and joy were his four grandchildren, affectionately known to him as "Lil' Bird," "Sugar Baby," "Love Bug," and "Doodle Bug." They brought endless happiness to his life and filled his heart with pride.

Rickey is survived by his loving wife, Susan Dick; his son, Travis Dick (Michele); his daughter, Kimberly Benbow (Jonathan); his grandchildren, Ransom Dick, Tristan Dick, Kathryn Benbow, and Olivia Benbow; his sisters, Kathy Johnson and Darlene Dick; his brother, Richard Dick; and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Carolyn Dick; his brother, Ronnie Dick; and his sister, Brenda Dick.

Rickey's greatest accomplishment wasn't his career. It was the family he loved, the children he raised, the grandchildren who adored him, and the example he set through a life of faith, integrity, and service. His family will forever hear his familiar words, "Make Dad proud," and they will continue to do just that. His legacy will live on in each of them.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Youth Program at New Hope Baptist Church.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on August 4, 2026, at New Hope Baptist Church in Zolfo Springs. Interment will immediately follow at the New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at: www.pongerkaysgrady.com

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes & Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements.