Obituary for Richard "Ricky" French III
Richard French III (Ricky or Frenchie) passed away on August 31, 2023 at his home in Palatka while battling cancer.
Ricky was born in Hialeah, Florida on September 11, 1957 to Richard French II and Helen French. He has lived in Palatka since 1970. He was an exceptionally skilled Brick Mason, who was known for his creative fireplace designs. During his career, he was employed by Donald Thompson Contracting and Mullis Concrete for many years.
Ricky will be remembered for his kind soul and for his gentle demeanor.
He was an avid fan of the Florida State Seminoles. Ricky loved bass fishing and hunting. He also had an appreciation for an eclectic selection of music; especially country music and southern rock.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife, Jolee Hayes French.
Ricky is survived by his sister, Gloria Werkheiser; stepdaughter, Jo Cone and stepson, Buck Tillis and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his partner, Kay Alford Clapp, who devoted the last seven months to helping Ricky in his fight with cancer.
A celebration of Ricky’s life will be held on September 10 at 4:00 pm at the Rodman Plantation, 298 County Road 310, Palatka, Florida. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Putnam First Cancer Fund, 600 Zeagler Drive, Palatka, FL 32177
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Ricky’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.
Ricky was born in Hialeah, Florida on September 11, 1957 to Richard French II and Helen French. He has lived in Palatka since 1970. He was an exceptionally skilled Brick Mason, who was known for his creative fireplace designs. During his career, he was employed by Donald Thompson Contracting and Mullis Concrete for many years.
Ricky will be remembered for his kind soul and for his gentle demeanor.
He was an avid fan of the Florida State Seminoles. Ricky loved bass fishing and hunting. He also had an appreciation for an eclectic selection of music; especially country music and southern rock.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife, Jolee Hayes French.
Ricky is survived by his sister, Gloria Werkheiser; stepdaughter, Jo Cone and stepson, Buck Tillis and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his partner, Kay Alford Clapp, who devoted the last seven months to helping Ricky in his fight with cancer.
A celebration of Ricky’s life will be held on September 10 at 4:00 pm at the Rodman Plantation, 298 County Road 310, Palatka, Florida. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Putnam First Cancer Fund, 600 Zeagler Drive, Palatka, FL 32177
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Ricky’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.