Frank Michael Rickels

Frank Michael Rickels, age 67, of Daphne, AL, passed away Monday, February 10, 2020. He was born in Meridian, MS and grew up in Greenwood, MS. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Louisiana Tech University where he first met the love of his life, Kim. After a short career in sales, he followed his dreams of being an entrepreneur, eventually purchasing Cock of the Walk restaurants and retail products.   Mike was an avid Ole Miss fan and never missed an opportunity to give someone a quick “Hotty Toddy”. He was passionate about business, politics and Ronald Reagan. He had a lifetime love for aviation and made many wonderful memories with his flying buddies over the years, flying places near and far, not excluding his favorite sunset flights over the Mobile Bay. He loved to fish with his children, hunt with his son and Greenwood buddies, and play tennis. He always looked forward to his weekly Point Clear tennis men’s night which included leaving their competitive matches behind on the court to solve all of the world’s problems over dinner at Manci’s. He could be found front-and-center at most every local Modern Eldorados show with a select few top-notch dancing partners and his air-guitar in tow. He didn’t want to do any of this without his adoring wife by his side. Mike was a good and kind man with strong character, always striving to do the right thing especially when no one was watching. He never met a stranger and was quick to help those in need, many times never telling anyone about the help he would give. Mike cared tremendously about his family and didn’t go a week without talking to his mother and brothers. He cherished his friendships and made it a point to maintain them as far back as his childhood. Stories of his Greenwood and Kappa Sigma Fraternity days were always some of his favorite to share. Above all, Mike was a firm believer in God, always trusting Him to guide his path. His strong faith in the Lord coupled with his deep, devoted, unwavering love and adoration for his wife defined him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank Maurice Rickels and Elaine Rickels Clodfelter. He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 40 years, Kim Rickels, of Daphne, AL; daughters, Ashley (Jesse) Payne of Birmingham, AL, and Stacey Parrish of Daphne, AL; son, Barrett Rickels of Daphne, AL; grandsons Parker Parrish and Beck Payne; brothers, Jeff (Marie) Rickels of Jackson, MS, and Gary (Pam) Rickels of Knoxville, TN; many loving relatives and friends. He will be dearly missed by all. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at 11:00am at Eastern Shore Presbyterian Church in Fairhope, AL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made towards brain tumor research to the Neuro-Oncology Division at UAB’s O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at 510 20th Street South, Suite FOT 1020, Birmingham, AL 35294, ATTN: Shirly Gibbs. ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY 27409 U.S. 98 DAPHNE, AL 36526 251-625-2900 www.wolfefuneralhomes.com