Shedrich "Ricky" Merridith Jr.

The son of Shedrich Lawrence Merridith Sr. and Ethelene Merridith Crane, "Ricky," as he was affectionately called, was born December 20, 1958 in Chicago, Illinois.  He grew up in Chicago and attended school in Cook County graduating from Linbloom High School.  After graduation, he enlisted in the military, joining the United States Navy and serving for six years.  After serving in the Navy, he lived in Longview and worked for the United States Postal Service.

He moved to Florida for some 15 years where he put his culinary skills to work as a professional chef; when his health failed, and he moved back to Longview.  While he was physically impaired, he had a real zest for life, enjoying music, he played in a band and played guitar, amassing a sizeable collection of the instrument.

Ricky’s father preceded him in death.  Survivors are his mother Ethelene Merridith Crain and his stepfather Elvin Crain; his sister Denise Merridith who adored him; his brother, Andrew; his aunt Willie Fern Whitman; numerous cousins and countless friends.

He loved food! He was especially fond of his mother’s culinary masterpieces and of Jackie’s gumbo!

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