Brian Keith Ricks

Brian Ricks Obituary Brian Keith Ricks was born on February 13, 1969, son of the late Hosea Ricks Jr. and late Clara E. Ricks at St. Ann Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Brian departed this life on December 29, 2022. Brian grew up in Twinsburg, Ohio. He attended Dodge Middle School and R. B. Chamberlin High School where he graduated in 1987. He was an active member in high school in both sports and clubs. He participated in varsity basketball & varsity football, show choir & regular choir, and other clubs. He was also crowned homecoming king his senior year. After graduating high school, Brian went on to study psychology and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1992 from the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio. In college, Brian became highly active as a campus leader in the Racist Awareness Program Project (RAPP) which began to shape his devotion of helping and educating others. Brian engaged in careers in nonprofits which encompassed outreach and development programs in the community, preschool education, and homeless sheltering. He developed a genuine gift for mentoring and connecting with people, and always supported others. He worked in this profession for 28 years and accumulated various awards for his professionalism as a community and social services worker. These special accolades were for his mentoring, mental health training, and certified counseling. Brian was baptized at an early age. For over 20 years he was a member of Heritage Fellowship Church. After meeting his loving wife, Jerri, at a friend’s home, they shared fellowship as members of First Baptist Church of Vienna, VA. Brian and Jerri built a blessed life together, were married for 27 years, and had three amazing children. Brian loved his family dearly. He cherished spending family time with his wife and children. He was always there when you needed him and provided his love and strength to all the family. Brian was known by many, as a man who knew how to relate to people easily and naturally. He was a good hearted and fun spirited guy who would always get you smiling. In 2001, Brian was welcomed to the brotherhood of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, a lifelong bond that he richly cherished. He enjoyed coaching and golfing, but his main passion was cooking. He loved to grill, and was well known for his fried turkeys, making sure everyone had enough to eat during the holidays. Brian also was an avid Cleveland Browns fan, essentially a fan of all Cleveland sports teams. He was filled with love to give! Brian leaves to cherish his memories: Devoted wife Jerri Ricks, three wonderful children Brionna Auslander (Kent), Tyrell Ricks, and Wesley Ricks. He was preceded in death by his father Hosea, mother Clara, and brother Anthony. He also leaves siblings; Ralph Sanders, Elizabeth Palmore, Neal Ricks, and Ray Ricks (Linda), mother-in-law; Jimmie Gist; father-in-law; James Gist, Sr. (Marion), brothers-in-law; James Gist, Jr. (Sophia), and Julian Gist (Jennice). He will be greatly missed by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins, fraternity brothers, and beloved friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brian Keith Ricks, please visit our floral store. Read More

Brian Keith Ricks

February 13, 1969 - December 29, 2022