Rickey Betterson, 72, of Waycross, passed away Thursday, January 19, 2023.
He was born September 7, 1950 as the fourth of five children born to the late Celestine Betterson Garner and the late Bill Davis. A native of Blackshear, he had lived most of his life in Waycross.
He attended Waycross public schools. While still attending school, He began his work history on the weekends at Memorial Hospital in Waycross as a male attendant. He then became a full-time employee as a male attendant at Memorial Hospital. Later he dedicated his labor at McDonald Street School as lead custodian. There he earned the name “Uncle Rickey” as he was affectionately known by the students and staff, neighbors and most by all that knew him. He had a sweet and caring spirit and would give you his last.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his eldest brother, Eugene Garner and his eldest sister, Ruth G. Taylor.
He leaves to cherish his memory, my lil Bru, his best friend, his brother, John Carroll Betterson, Waycross; his sister, Beverly King, Waycross; his nieces, JoAnn Ratliff Wilcox, Bonnie King, Rochelle Baker, ShaTerika Story; nephews, Louis (Regina) Ratliff, Dublin, Tony (Niki) Garner, Atlanta, Clete Garner, Dallas, TX, Jesse Williams, Waycross and Cedric Garner; great-nieces, Giselle Ratliff of New Jersey, Kim Ratlift, Augusta, Tennille (Leroy) Moss, Montgomery, AL, Diana (Arthur) Gibbs, Waycross, Alicia Taylor, Brandon, FL, Rabyn Ratliff, Tallahassee, FL, Mercedes Anderson, Dallas, TX and Salessia Garner, Jacksonville, FL; great-nephews, André (Barbra) Ratliff, Jacksonville, FL, Tyree Taylor, Brandon, FL, TJ (Candice) Garner, Atlanta, Fred (Jennie) Garner, Maryland, Jamor Garner, Miami, FL, Ryan Garner, Jacksonville, FL, Todd Doles, Kalamazoo, MI; four generations of great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends including Eddie Revis, Augusta and Sonya Baldwin, Waycross.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m Saturday, Jan. 28, from the Music Funeral Home Chapel.
Sympathy may be expressed by posting to his tribute wall at www.musicfuneralhome.com.
Music Funeral Home of Waycross is in charge of arrangements.
