Ricky Raymond Robbins

December 2, 2015

“The Oysterman”

On November 26, 2015, on Thanksgiving Day, following a series of sudden, multiple illnesses, Ricky left this world, leaving a void in the hearts of those who loved him. A man who loved life, and was known for his genuine love of his family and friends, whom he loved to visit at any time (day or night), who was known as “The Oysterman” as it was his lifelong occupation.

Ricky was born May 20, 1964, to Henry Raymond Robbins and Margaret Louise Nicholas Robbins, at the Abernathy Memorial Hospital in Flomaton.

Ricky often spoke of his Grandpa, Luther Robbins, and his Granny, Stella Robbins, who were his greatest influences. His Granny taught him the meaning of family and he loved her good cooking! Ricky spoke of his Granny reading the Bible to him and when she would watch Oral Roberts on TV, he wanted to be in her lap to watch it with her. Ricky’s Aunt Joyce recalls Margaret christening Ricky in Williams Lake, telling Ricky that he would be spending a lot of time on the water. Ricky was only about one month old when his mother lowered him under the water to baptize him. Those words were true, as Ricky spent his whole life on the water, whether it was oystering, or pleasure fishing. He was an amazing boat mechanic and loved to tinker with old boat motors just to see what made them tick.

Under his Granny’s influence, he received his high school diploma at age 16. Later, he and his older brother Clayton “Boo” Simmons, and best friends throughout life, tried to join the Navy, but found out they wouldn’t get to be together, so decided against it. Thirteen years after Ricky’s birth, he was blessed with a baby brother, Barry (Joe) Nicholas. Ricky always felt protective of Barry, and as adults the three brothers were practically inseparable.

Ricky had three sons, Little Ricky, Johnny, and Jesse, whom he adored and often said they were his heart. He was proud of each one for their own special ways.

Ricky met the love of his life, Susan, later in life. They spent 12 exciting, never dull or boring, years together, They enjoyed watching movies cuddled on the couch together along with their three dogs, Sugar, Susie, and JoJo. Ricky loved his home and took great joy in maintaining it, and how he loved riding his large tractor bush hogging the fields.

Ricky had a deep love for music, especially the old country classics and he loved to hear his love, Susan, sing to him. He wouldn’t even let anyone talk to or distract him and often said he was listening to the love of his life. He was also deeply impressed with his son, Johnny, who learned to play the guitar and drums. He had other close friends, Wayne Powell and Zach Talbot, whom he would sit and listen to for hours and never wanted them to stop playing or singing.

Although Ricky was not particularly demonstrative, later in life he began to show his love for family, tenderness towards animals, his realization of the gifts of nature and further revealed his feelings of spirituality.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Wallace, his sons, (Little) Ricky Robbins, Johnny Robbins, and Jesse Robbins; his father, Henry Raymond Robbins; brothers, Clayton (Boo) Simmons (Tammy), Barry (Joe) Nicholas (Apryl); stepdaughters, Mandy Grubbs, Christie Hartman, and Robin Barlar; niece, Nina Simmons; and nephew, Christopher Simmons; and a host of other family and friends too numerous to name.

Funeral services were held at Petty Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 1, 2015.

Honorary Pall Bearers were Barry Nicholas, David “Baggs” Wiggins, Christopher Simmons, Zach Talbot, Greg Hunter, and B.J. Johnson.

Ricky’s wishes were to be cremated and his ashes spread over the water.

His son Johnny said it best:

“My Dad lived like his life was on fire; it’s fitting for him to go out that way.”

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.

Comments

2 Responses to “Ricky Raymond Robbins”

  1. Susan on December 25th, 2015 10:16 pm

    Hi Nancy…it’s funny you mentioned tractors. He had a big one at home he loved to use. He really loved the outdoors. I had the best day of fishing in my life on one of our trips on the Apalachicola River. I had a lot of wonderful times with him and although he told people I was the love of his life, he certainly was mine. I’m really missing him and the grief is strong, but in time, things get better. I have to say though that he was one of a kind!

  2. Nancy H Peters on December 3rd, 2015 8:05 am

    Ricky Robbins was in our Class of ‘82 Ernest Ward High School. A neighbor and friend way back. Remembering the tractor/truck he put together to go riding the old dirt roads in Bogia, we had such fun. Rest in peace, Ricky.

Written by Jane · Filed Under Obituaries