Ricke Lawrence Snead

Ricke was a participant for many years at Special Populations. He was a participant in my room {Sunshine Room}. He always looked forward to his day at Special Populations. He used to tell me how much he loved me and how I was his favorite teacher. He always loved to talk about Elvis and enjoyed listening to his music. He loved to socialize with staff and his peers as well as participate in all of Special Populations special events, especially dancing. Even though he was in a wheelchair he would always make every effort to move his body to the music in his chair. Ricke will be truly missed in the Sunshine Room as well as at Special Populations. All of us at Special Populations are very sorry for the family's loss.

It was a privilege to get to know Ricke over the last several years. He had many challenges in life but he was a loving person who would fold his hands and pray for others at the drop of a hat.

On a good day he would tease me. His impish eyes would light up even when he was frowning. He liked to say that my husband was bald headed, when in fact, both of them had about the same amount of hair. Then he would tell me that I'm old. It al ways amused me because Ricke was several years older than me, so I would tell him that he was old. If I took my shoes off, he'd hold his nose, and say "ew" and insist that my feet were "nakey."

I will miss his childlike banter and watching The Beach Boys together with him. The Beach Boys were one of his favorites and could sometimes get over a bad mood.

A few days before he passed, I had a dream that a childhood friend of mine (who has a brother who's very much like Ricke) took me to say goodbye to him, but when I walked into his room, Ricke spryly hopped out of bed and nimbly made his way past me to go into another room before I could tell him that I knew we wouldn't be seeing each other again.

I know he's just out of sight now. Sort of like he's just in another room. In my dream, he required NO assistance walking and was much younger. It was such a joy to see him that way!

No more tears or pain now for him. I'm grateful that he's with Jesus and his daddy! One day, we will meet again on the other side.

When I first started working at Special Pops, Ricke would stop by my office and say good morning every day. How lucky I feel to have known and loved this special person. Ricke you were the sunshine of my day. You will always live in my heart. Love, Shari (The Cat Kicker) which was Ricke's version of "secretary".) Rest in peace my little friend 😇

My sincere condolences to the family 🙏. Ricke you were a very vivacious, caring, happy, and fun man. I have so many memories of you at Special Populations when I worked there. There wasn't a day that didn't go by that you didn't have a smile on your face it would make everybody around you smile as well. You made my days brighter when I was at work. You truly touched my heart and I will never forget you. Rest easy my friend.🙏🙏

When Rickie was little, angels (he called them gogos) would visit with him. You would here him talking and laughing with them in his room at night. When Rickie would meet people, he would often say: "Jesus coming soon. I ready. You ready?" I always pictured him changing into his glorified body as Jesus came back. Although, when I watched him drive his little electric jeep in his back yard, I wouldn't have guessed he would live to be an old man. I wish I could have been in heaven to witness the celebration when he arrived. I can hear Pop laughing.