Rickey "Hillbilly" Ring

Rickey “Hillbilly” Ring, age 60, of Crystal Rock, lost a short battle with gall bladder cancer in the early morning hours of January 1, 2025.

He was born November 24, 1964, in Sandusky, to Arnold and Melba Ring.  He enjoyed his younger years visiting family in their hometown of Coeburn, VA.  May 3, 1986, Rickey married the love of his life and his high school sweetheart Tracey (Gibson) Ring. Together they made three beautiful children, who in turn, gave them eight beautiful grandchildren.  His wife, kids, and grandchildren were Rickey’s entire world.  Rickey loved his chickens and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family, he also had a passion for his old hot rods and enjoyed spending time in the garage working with his son Matthew and his nephew Josh.  He also enjoyed teaching his daughters Amber and Kara to do things that most people don’t know, they can basically rebuild your car for you if needed.  Rickey enjoyed spending time at the drag strip watching his nephew “J-Bird” race; he even got to take a cross country trip to watch him race in Las Vegas for the NHRA World Championship.  Rickey was employed at IAC, Huron, for over 20 years; he made many lifelong friends while working there.  He was very opinionated and was not afraid to express it, he certainly would do or say something to piss just about anybody off, but then in the same breathe he would turn right around and offer the shirt off his back to those same people if they needed it.  He had an image as a hard ass but he also had a heart of gold, and those who knew him know exactly what I’m saying. 

He is survived by his wife of 38 years Tracey Ring; son Matthew (Ashley) Ring; daughters Amber (Cody) Haggermaker, and Kara (Logan Orozco) Ring; grandchildren Elijah Dugger, Miranda Martin, Ambryella Haggermaker, Aubrey Ring, Logan Haggermaker, Colton Ring, Bryson Ring, and Lyla Haggermaker; sisters Shelva Mullins, Sherry Bender, Sharon (Gary) Hatfield, and Elizabeth (Ray) Myers; sister in-laws Bessie Ring, Patsy Ring, and Jackie (Brent) Brandal; brother in-laws Chris Gibson; father in-law Paul Gibson; and multiple nieces and other family members and friends.

Rickey was preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Melba Ring; brothers James and Darrell Ring; brother in-law Eddie Millins; nephew Chris Gibson Jr.; and great niece Ava Grace Collins.  Two very special ladies preceded Rickey in death, his mother in-law Freddie Gibson and his brother Darrell’s mother in-law Daisy Gibbs.  Rickey lost his mother to cancer at the young age of 8, and later in life Freddie and Daisy both served a role as mother like figures to Rickey and they had a great impact on his life.  Many other family members along with those aforementioned were waiting to welcome Rickey into his heavenly home, but the reunion of him with his mother who he had not seen since he was 8 years old must have been oh so glorious!!  It’s a good thing that she is there with them, because somebody will have to keep those three Ring boys who were just reunited in line!!

Friends may call from 12 noon until time of services at 1 PM Monday January 6, 2025, at Ransom Funeral and Cremation Service, 610 S. Washington St., Castalia.  Matthew Ring will officiate.  Burial will be in SandHill Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870.  Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.ransomfuneralhome.com

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