Rankin F. Rester, Jr.

Ricky Rester, 62, passed away on September 27, 2023, in Gulfport, Mississippi. He was born on October 23, 1960, in New Orleans, Louisiana

Ricky's unique sense of humor lit up the lives of everyone around him. He had a talent for making people smile and leaving them with laughter.

He graduated from St. Johns High School in Gulfport in 1978 and began his lifelong welding career at Metal Parts Inc. at the age of 18. Over the years, he honed his skills at Trinity Marine and Irby Steel in Gulfport. Later, he served as Head of Maintenance and Carpenter at the Gulfport School District until his retirement in 2021.

Ricky cherished the outdoors, took pride in his work, and was known for his unwavering commitment to excellence. But his greatest treasure was the time he spent with loved ones, creating cherished memories.

He is preceded in death by his twin brothers, Mitch and Mike Rester, and his parents, Rankin F. "Freddy" Rester, Sr., and Frances "Tookie" Norma (Cavanaugh) Rester.

Ricky is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanne Ford Rester of Saucier, and his children: Crystal Stafford (Jordan) of Wiggins and Bryan Rester (Kayla) of Saucier. He is also remembered by his step-children: Corey Chandler (Erica) of Petal, Kyle Chandler (Marie) of Sandersville, and Kayla Chandler. Ricky was a grandfather to Damon Stafford, Luke Stafford, Jansen Stafford, Caroline Lafontaine, and Layla Rester, as well as a step-grandfather to Addyson Chandler, Cason Chandler, Cannon Chandler, Coulson Chandler, Ellison Chandler, and Nakota Chandler.

A visitation to celebrate Ricky's life will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Riemann Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Rd. Gulfport, MS 39503, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at St. James Catholic Cemetery, Cemetery Rd. Bassfield, MS.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to a local charity of your choice.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.

www.RiemannFamily.com