Reverend Ricardo Edward Thompson, Sr., affectionately known as "Big Rick", "Ricky", and "Carlos", departed this life on May 20, 2026. Born on July 11, 1974, to Georgia M. Brown and Charles E. Thompson (Ruby), Ricky was a vibrant and deeply loved presence in the lives of all who knew him. Ricky attended Chesterfield County Public Schools and was well known throughout the community. At an early age, he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ and continued his faithful walk with Christ at The Lord's Church in Ettrick, Virginia. Known for his infectious smile and unwavering dedication to his family, his church, and the Ettrick community, Ricky always greeted everyone with a positive attitude, accompanied by an encouraging excerpt of God's word.

His devotion to ministry was evident in his selfless service. For a number of years, Rick served as the head of the youth group at his church. He carried a deep passion for youth mentorship and feeding the needy through his ministry, 2nd Life Ministries. Over the years, he became a Deacon in the church and was later ordained as a Minister.

From an early age, Ricky was an incredibly hard worker. A self-taught truck driver, he went on to become a licensed Class-A CDL driver. Over his industrious career, he worked for Mayflower, Read's Moving Systems, Haynes Furniture, and Pepsi. Most recently, he dedicated over ten years of service to Hillcrest Transportation. On every job, Rick was recognized as a top performer, earning prestigious accolades such as Employee of the Year and inclusion in the Million Mile Club.

Ricky was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Blanche Thompson; his paternal grandfather, Arthur Thompson; maternal grandmother, Lavinia Brown; maternal grandfather, John Brown; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Elaine B. Gorns and Tyrone Fields; sister, Kendra "Poochie" Holcomb; and his sister-in-law, Nicole Fields (Lorenzo).

Rick leaves behind a beautiful family to cherish his legacy, led by his adored wife, Trisha "Rika" Thompson. He is survived by his children, Ricardo E. Thompson, Jr. (Katoria), Nijae Turner, Precious Thompson (Sean Sr.), Tevin Thompson (Tyesha), Jada and Janae Thompson. He also leaves behind his eight cherished grandchildren, Jakalya Pride, Cameron Thompson, Carson and Carmen King-Thompson, Ariel Thompson, London Thompson, Sean Moore, Jr. and Kisen Thompson. His memory will be kept alive by his siblings, Marcus Thompson, Nita Martinez and Rita Martinez.

He will be dearly missed by his deeply devoted aunt, Debra Thompson; as well as a host of beloved aunts and uncles from both sides of his family: Shirley Thompson, Gloria Thompson Davis, Reverend Earl Thompson, Sr. (Thelma), Preston Thompson, Sr. (Darlene), John Brown (Evelyn), Judy Cherry (Nathan), Caroline Franklin, Edna Harris, Lenard Brown (Tina), George Brown (Michelle), Gloria Gill, Donell Brown (Della), Sylvia Brown and Kemp Brown.

Rick's legacy of love and friendship will also be treasured by his dedicated friends, Chris Jones, Reverend Raymond Bradley, Larry "Dee" Thompson and Reverend Howard Moses, Jr. He leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, great-nephews, great-nieces, and cousins too numerous to name, alongside his cherished The Lord's Church family and his Hillcrest Transportation family, whose lives were forever brightened by his presence.

Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Third Baptist Church, 550 Farmer Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Kassandra Bullock, Pastor, Pastor Howard Moses, eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5977680?fl=so&fe=fs