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Adrian Powell, Ricky Wilson Jr., Shaun Goodall, David Slayton, Michael Mohr and Dallas Slayton will serve as pallbearers.

I'm a proud and thankful Cowboy who has passed away.

I know it's hard, but please don't cry, cause I'm ridin' God's trails High up in the sky. The horse I'm ridin' now, don’t spook or buck or kick, God stables perfect horses and now I have my pick. I have lived a good life. A cowboy's dream come true, thank you, Lord, I'm now ready to ride, Me, my horse and you......

With dusty boots and a smile on his face, Ricky Sherman Wilson stepped off on That Beautiful Shore of Heaven Tuesday morning, July 22, 2025.

Ricky leaves behind family and friends that loved him, and the legacy of a life well lived.

He was born Friday, Aug. 3, 1956, to Anna V. Gregory Wilson and the late Sherman Wilson. He was an only child, and he was cherished greatly and spoiled beyond measure.

Ricky was saved as a boy and joined Sycamore Valley Missionary Baptist church in October of 1970.

In 1982 he became "DADDY" to his daughter Gail. But in 1983, Ricky welcomed his PRIDE & JOY.... a son, Ricky Jr. He was so proud of his boy. And before the boy could walk, Ricky shared with him his love for all things horses. You could find them on Friday and Saturday nights at the local saddle clubs running barrels, poles and the famous rescue race. Ricky liked speed in all things....

In 1988 God sent Ricky his one true love, his best friend and his companion through it all, Debra Dean. She came to him when he was juggling single fatherhood of a five-year-old Little Ricky. He needed a life partner and someone to mother his precious son. And God seen to it that he sent him a strong and loving helpmate.

Ricky was a hard worker and a jack of all trades. He worked for the State Highway department and even moved to Oklahoma and worked on Oil Rigs. But soon became homesick for his Tennessee roots. In later years Ricky started driving trucks. He was still working for Powell & Sons when he first got sick.

He for sure loved his children. But nothing compared to the love he had for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He took his role as their BIG PA very seriously. He enjoyed sitting around and picking on them and listening to all their tall tales. He enjoyed time with his family. The many birthday parties, the weddings and all the holiday gatherings. His love for each one of those grands and great grands was something special.

Ricky was a man with a quick wit and a love for fun. He spent many good times in the saddle, trail riding with friends, buying and repairing saddles and tack, and just enjoying the life he had built for himself.

He was a blessed man. He was blessed to have a loving mother, a God sent companion, children that adored him, and grandchildren that thought he hung the moon and stars.

If Ricky could give a last piece of advice today, I think it would be: If you think holding on is hard, try letting go...

Ricky is survived by his loving mother, Anna V. Gregory Wilson; his faithful companion of 37 years, Debra Dean; son, Ricky Sherman Wilson Jr. and companion, Amanda; daughter, Gail Goodall and husband, Tim; son, Michael Dean; grandchildren, Shaun Goodall and wife, Erica, Madisyn Presley and husband, Danny, Madilyn Copas and husband, Ryan, Josh Dean and companion, Salem, Bronson Wilson and Briley Wilson; and great-granddaughters, Aspen and Wyxlee.

Arrangements entrusted to Anderson & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, 615-666-4011