Rickie J. Cash

Rickie J. Cash, 71, of Paragould, formerly of Blytheville, died Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, in his home surrounded by family and friends. Rickie was born to Jake and Pauline Cash on March 23, 1950, in Kennett, Mo., and he served as a member of Central Baptist Church of Jonesboro.

Rickie grew up in Kennett, Mo., where he met Jeris Ann Cash, and they were married June 27, 1970. He worked as a co-owner at Mo-Ark Communications for 45 years, and during this time Rickie and Jeris's family grew and three precious children were added to the Cash family. Mark, Sarah and Allyson, along with Jeris, never left Rickie's side, as he battled this disease for over 11 months. Many family members, friends, and loved ones came to visit him, and he cherished all of them for their love and devotion.

Rickie is survived by his wife, Jeris Ann Cash of Paragould; three children and grandchildren, Mark (Whitney) Cash of Brentwood, Tenn., Rowan, Ainsley and Harper, Sarah (Darryl) Gresham of Lakeland, Tenn., Sydney and Charlie, Allyson (Grant) of Spanish Fort, Ala., Cash, Olivia, and Carson; one sister, Vickie (Wiley) Hayes of Kennett, Mo.; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Rickie was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Pauline Cash of Kennett, Mo., Dewey P. Cash of Kennett, Mo., Glenda Carter of Hendersonville, Tenn., Anna Lou Pritchett of Kennett, Mo.

Rickie touched the lives of so many while he served his country, his family and his Savior:

*Sergeant in the Marine Corps from 1968-1972, which included a tour in Vietnam where he earned many awards including a Purple Heart for his bravery and love of his fellow Marines

*Beloved baseball coach, Arkansas State Commissioner for American Legion Baseball and the Assistant Tournament Director of the American Legion World Series

*Ordained deacon and men's bible study leader

Rickie was loved by everyone who met him and touched the lives of so many. Throughout his life, he worshipped The Lord and gave all praise and glory to Him in his home, on and off the baseball field, in his church, and with each of his friends, as he helped mentor them and leave a lasting impression of what it means to be a servant and follower of Christ. To have known him was to love him, and his legacy will live on through each and every person who was fortunate enough to call him friend.

Rickie's favorite Bible verse was "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. 2 My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going." John 14:1-4.

Services were Monday 11 a.m. in the McDaniel Chapel in Kennett with Reverend Doug Compton officiating, burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation was 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 2, at McDaniel Funeral Home in Kennett.

Online condolences can be sent to www.mcdanielfuneralservice.com

McDaniel Funeral Service of Kennett was in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, Rickie asks that donations be made to: In Memory of Rickie J. Cash; Cleveland County American Legion Baseball World Series; 117A West Warren Street, Shelby, North Carolina 28150.