Ricky Joe Whitten, 65, of Cleveland, departed this life on Friday, November 27, 2020 at Memorial Hospital. Born on June 3, 1955 to the late Richard and Donna Whitten, Rick was a native and lifelong resident of Bradley County and a veteran of the United States Navy. He was retired from the Cleveland Fire Department after 32 years of service to his community. He was a talented musician and pilot, and loved camping, NASCAR, spoiling his dogs, Gus and Gabby, and spending time with his friends. Rick was a car enthusiast and had an adventurous spirit willing to try anything, and was fiercely dedicated to his family.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his daughters and sons-in-law, Stephanie and Brad Kerr, Hilliary and Josh Green and Savannah and Trammel Hoehn; grandchildren, Maddie, Jake, Charley, Anabelle, Emma, Memphis, Elsie, Evie Grace and Ruthie, all of Franklin; loving companion, Roxie Aurand, of Cleveland; sister, Sandra and Andy Hamby, of Cleveland; and brother, Bruce Whitten, of Cleveland.
A Celebration of Life and Home going for Ricky Joe Whitten will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4 at Grace Community Church, with Pastor Kevin Mendel officiating. Honors will be provided by the Cleveland Fire Department Honor Guard.
The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until the funeral hour at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions in Mr. Whitten’s name be made to SPCA of Bradley County.
Send a message of comfort and view the family guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com.
Companion Funeral and Cremation Service of Cleveland is in charge of arrangements.