Willie James Ricks, age 79, of Paducah, passed away Monday, April 9, 2018, 7:32 a.m., at his residence.

Willie was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.  He was a retired warehouse laborer for Petter Supply and was formerly employed with the Illinois Central  Gulf Railroad.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years , Dolores Jean Daniel Ricks of Paducah; three sons , Darrell Ricks and Javid Ricks, both of Paducah and Jason Ricks of Joplin, MO; four grandchildren ; eight great-grandchildren ; one brother , Leon Ricks of Mableton, GA; several nieces , nephews , and other relatives .

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Bryant Ricks and Malissie Stephens Ricks; one daughter, Arthessa Ricks; one sister; one brother.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 14, 2018, 1:00 p.m., at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses with Scott Fletcher officiating.

Condolences may be left on line at pettusrowlandfh.com