Rickie Allen Bankhead

Rickie Allen Bankhead was born on March 5, 1964, in Danville, Illinois to Marva Louise (Beasley) and John Bankhead. He departed this life on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 in Fishers, Indiana.
Affectionately known to his friends as “Slick Rick,” Rickie was very athletic all throughout junior and senior high. He loved playing basketball, baseball, football and running track. Rickie graduated from Danville High School, where he was a football standout and nicknamed “The Train.” He excelled at the other sports as well. Rickie went on to pursue an Associates' Degree in Blueprinting from Danville Area Community College.
Rickie married his middle school sweetheart, Shawn Denise (Brown) Bankhead on June 17, 1989. From this union came four beautiful daughters: Denieshia, I’eshia (Kazeem) Ninalowo, Rykeshia and Queshia. Rickie and Denise later moved their young family to Indianapolis, Indiana in 1996 where they worked and continued to raise their girls. They were united in love and marriage until Denise’s passing on June 22, 2009. Rickie was able to witness all four daughters graduate from college and start their lives as young adults.
Rickie really loved cooking, sports, music and spending time with his family. He loved to barbecue for family gatherings because he got to showcase his special sauce. He enjoyed jamming to old school music all night and cracking jokes.
You could count on Rickie to keep you laughing! He was also known for his impeccable style—Rickie knew how to dress up! He never missed an opportunity to showcase a brim, either one of his own or one passed down from his grandfather, Bumble or stepfather, Charles. His last place of employment in Indianapolis was Klosterman Baking Company and Luther’s Janitorial Service.
Rickie was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and one sister, Cynthia Bankhead. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters and son, Allen T. Bankhead and two “grand-dogs,” Nieyla and Roccy; his sisters, Marva Jean Butler, Vickie Jo Smalls, Kim (Greg) Montgomery, Tori (Jessie) Jenkins, Aishah (Clifford) Allen, Barbara Cotton; a special brother-in-law, Joe Butler; two nieces and two nephews, Katris (KD) Sheyindemi, Katasha S. Butler, Lejas K. Butler and Victor J. Smalls and a host of cousins, other close relatives (Williams Family, Terrion, Bankie) and close friends, BK, Keithy. Clyde and Robert.
Rickie was a loving son, a caring brother, the fun uncle and a supportive, loving father who cherished his family. He will be missed dearly but the memories of him will live on forever. May he rest in peace.

A Homegoing Celebration will commence at 12:00 Noon on Saturday January 23, 2021 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home, 304 E. Williams St, Danville. Officiating Minister Lamar Coleman. A visitation will begin at 11:00 am until the time of the service.

A public viewing will be held on Friday January 22, 2021 from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Leek & Sons Funeral Home.

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