Obituary for Richard "Ricky" Edward Jarnigan Jr.
Richard “Ricky” Edward Jarnigan Jr. of Mascot, Tennessee, age 33, was freed from the chains of addiction and welcomed into heaven on July 25, 2020. Ricky was born on September 30, 1986 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
He is survived by his wife, Tiffany Jarnigan, his two living sons, John and Jaxon Jarnigan, his loving parents, Gregory (Greg) and Angela (Angie) Atkins, brother Gregory Michael (Mikey) Atkins, sister Shayla (Shay) Kilgore, brother-in-law Kyle Kilgore, and many special friends. Preceded in death by sons Jayden and Jacob Jarnigan, grandmothers June Alexander and Nola (Lib) Atkins, grandfather Gerald Atkins and special great aunt Jewell Faust.
For many, Ricky was known through the eyes of his addiction that he battled most of his life. However, those closest to him were blessed to know his heart. He was a fighter and did just that, every day. He was known for his loyalty to his family and friends, his outgoing personality, the most amazing laugh, and the kindness he showed to each and every person.
Ricky loved being a father more than anything. He spent the last year with his oldest son, making memories that will be treasured. In the words of his oldest son John, “he was the best dad”. He loved sports and was extremely athletic, he loved music and he loved to journal, which he did often.
He often journaled about his family and offers a unique understanding of the true meaning of family. In one of his excerpts Ricky states: “family: the people who will love you no matter what”. And he loved in that same manner, no matter what.
Ricky exemplified how joy and suffering could coexist in this world and reflected a beautiful picture of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who allows joy in the midst of great suffering.
The family is proud of Ricky and the legacy he leaves in his children as well as thankful for the memories and time he shared with us as well as the strength he possessed. A loving father, an understanding son, a loyal brother and the best friend.
The family will receive friends 5-7 on Friday, July 31st at Cooke-Campbell Mortuary in Maynardville, TN with funeral services to follow at 7 P.M. Friday with Chris Corum , Kyle Kilgore and John Ferguson speaking. Family and friends will meet at 10:15 A. M. Saturday at Cooke-Campbell Mortuary for procession to Sharp Cemetery, Highway 370, Luttrell for graveside services at 11 A.M. Saturday.
Pallbearers will be: John Jarnigan, Kyle Kilgore, Sam Lively, Randall Williams, Jessie Sellers and Brandon Bailey. Honorary pallbearers will be Mikey Atkins and Jaxon Jarnigan.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider to donate to the American Cancer Society or to your local rehabilitation facility in Ricky’s memory and to share his story often.
We thank you for your kindness, love and support during one of the most difficult trials. Like Ricky, we will find joy in the suffering. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us”. Romans 8:18. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.
He is survived by his wife, Tiffany Jarnigan, his two living sons, John and Jaxon Jarnigan, his loving parents, Gregory (Greg) and Angela (Angie) Atkins, brother Gregory Michael (Mikey) Atkins, sister Shayla (Shay) Kilgore, brother-in-law Kyle Kilgore, and many special friends. Preceded in death by sons Jayden and Jacob Jarnigan, grandmothers June Alexander and Nola (Lib) Atkins, grandfather Gerald Atkins and special great aunt Jewell Faust.
For many, Ricky was known through the eyes of his addiction that he battled most of his life. However, those closest to him were blessed to know his heart. He was a fighter and did just that, every day. He was known for his loyalty to his family and friends, his outgoing personality, the most amazing laugh, and the kindness he showed to each and every person.
Ricky loved being a father more than anything. He spent the last year with his oldest son, making memories that will be treasured. In the words of his oldest son John, “he was the best dad”. He loved sports and was extremely athletic, he loved music and he loved to journal, which he did often.
He often journaled about his family and offers a unique understanding of the true meaning of family. In one of his excerpts Ricky states: “family: the people who will love you no matter what”. And he loved in that same manner, no matter what.
Ricky exemplified how joy and suffering could coexist in this world and reflected a beautiful picture of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who allows joy in the midst of great suffering.
The family is proud of Ricky and the legacy he leaves in his children as well as thankful for the memories and time he shared with us as well as the strength he possessed. A loving father, an understanding son, a loyal brother and the best friend.
The family will receive friends 5-7 on Friday, July 31st at Cooke-Campbell Mortuary in Maynardville, TN with funeral services to follow at 7 P.M. Friday with Chris Corum , Kyle Kilgore and John Ferguson speaking. Family and friends will meet at 10:15 A. M. Saturday at Cooke-Campbell Mortuary for procession to Sharp Cemetery, Highway 370, Luttrell for graveside services at 11 A.M. Saturday.
Pallbearers will be: John Jarnigan, Kyle Kilgore, Sam Lively, Randall Williams, Jessie Sellers and Brandon Bailey. Honorary pallbearers will be Mikey Atkins and Jaxon Jarnigan.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider to donate to the American Cancer Society or to your local rehabilitation facility in Ricky’s memory and to share his story often.
We thank you for your kindness, love and support during one of the most difficult trials. Like Ricky, we will find joy in the suffering. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us”. Romans 8:18. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.