Contributions to the tribute of Ricky Dean Duffer

In loving memory of

Ricky

1972 - 2020

Ricky Dean Duffer

In Loving Memory

1972 - 2020

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Tony and Maria Adams posted a condolence

Monday, July 6, 2020

It has been said that only the good die young, but as usual Ricky Duffer has turned the tables and proven that notion isn't always true. Just joking, Ricky. As a matter of fact, it was Ricky's innate ability to bring levity and laughter to many moments with a simple wisecrack on a subject or situation, at times even at his own expense. Of course, there was much more to Ricky Dean Duffer. There was his immense love for his late mother and father, Linda and Jack, both whom also left us far too soon and were laid to rest in Shrum Cemetery, where he now joins them. And, of course, Ricky treasured his big sister, Lisa, and his own children and grandchild, along with nephew Dillon and nieces Madison, Alex and Brook. Even as his health was failing, he managed to make the journey from Indiana to the recent graduation for twins Brook and Alex, which meant the world to the family. Ultimately, however, it personally comes back to the laid-back nature Ricky had during the occasional opportunity we have to visit my beautiful birthplace in Macon County, Tennessee. After a long drive, visiting with him while staying at Aunt Linda's, we might unwind with a pizza or tacos and a beer or two, then find ourselves reminiscing and relaxing, his sense of humor leading the way. Moments were often punctuated with his drawn-out laughter, which had a gravelly air to it because of his longtime penchant for tobacco and other medicinal substances. Like most everyone, Ricky was far from perfect. From a young child who seemed to cry a bit too much and test your patience more than he should, to his early adult years, when he had his highs and lows as he worked to find his place in the world, he was a handful. But isn't that the road for most people we know. It's called living life. All that said, Ricky will be forever in the hearts and minds of those who knew him. We wish Heavenly eternal peace for the 47-year-old who left this world much too soon. We also send prayers and love to Lisa, J.D., Dillon, Madison, Alex and Brook at this tough moment. It seems appropriate to close with a favorite quote attributed to actor Michael Landon, who himself passed away relatively young (age 54) nearly four decades ago. It's also a line in a tearful "Little House on the Prairie" episode in which a mother dies of cancer very early, leaving three young children behind to be adopted. It goes: "Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is how I will remember with you. If you can only remember me with tears, then don't remember me at all." We love you, Ricky Tony and Maria