Bobby Rickman

Bobby Neal Rickman, age 72 passed away at his home in East Ridge, TN on March 29, 2025. He was born in Stantonville, TN on November 3, 1952. Growing up on what would later become the Shiloh National Military Park, instilled a deep-rooted love of American History.

He took that love of history and became not only a hero to his daughter, and his nieces and nephews, but a true American hero worthy of the history books he loved to read. He served in the U.S. Army from 1970-1974 and then the US Navy from 1980-2000. He received distinctive honors not just for his service during wartime and conflicts, but also from other branches of the military for his leadership skills and ability to unify forces.

A lover of poetry, music, and storytelling, one of his favorite sayings was, "There is no such thing as strangers, just friends you haven't met yet". He always made friends wherever he went and left an impression on the hearts of so many. He loved to learn about different cultures and respected everyone.

He leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Brenda (Gage) Rickman, his daughter Erin Rickman, grandchildren Zelda Harris and Ava Rickman and his nephew, who he thought of like a son, Cody Moore. Also, his brother, James Rickman. 

He was a friend, father figure, uncle, shipmate, and "papaw" to too many to name.

Special thanks to be given to sister-in-law Barbara "Sissy" Moore, Isaac Moore, Michele (Skip) Stanford, Jeannie Tracy, Cliff Wallace, Chance Baggett, Ella Wallace, and Dexter Wallace.

Burial will be at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Friday, April 18th at 12:30 pm. The family will have a celebration of life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Welcome Home of Chattanooga, which shelters and cares for folks who have no home and are going through cancer treatments or live with a terminal illness. Everyone who goes through what our loved one did deserves dignity and compassion. More information can be found at: https://www.welcomehomeofchattanooga.org/.