Rickie A French

Rickie was born on December 12th, 1958, in Louisville, Kentucky to Donald French and Norma Jean Hawkins. He proudly served as an F-16 pilot for the United States Air Force, dedicating his career to protecting and serving his country with unmatched bravery and precision.

Rickie’s life was filled with laughter and love. Known for his sharp wit and sense of humor, he could bring a smile to any room. His quick-thinking nature and caring heart made him not only a beloved father and friend but also an unforgettable presence in the lives of all who knew him.

Outside of his military career, Rickie had a passion for golf and could often be found perfecting his swing on the course. He was also an avid woodworker, crafting beautiful pieces that will be cherished by those who knew him. A true sports enthusiast, Rickie was a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, cheering them on with unwavering loyalty.

He is survived by his two children, daughter Christina Hayes and son Gregory French, his four sisters Debbie French Cooksey, Pattie French, Cathie French-Tritel and Beth Hawkins, and he is preceded in death by his father Donald French, mother Norma Jean Hawkins and stepfather Paul Hawkins.

A service to honor Rickie’s life will be held at 9:00a.m. on November 22nd, 2024 at Colonial Funeral Home, 625 Kitty Hawk Rd., Universal City, Texas, 78148. Committal service with Military Honors will follow at 11:00a.m. at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, Shelter #1, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78209.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St Jude’s Children's Research Hospital by visiting http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/rfrench

Rickie will be remembered for his humor, his quick wit, his skillful hands, his generous spirit and the love he showed to all who were fortunate to know him.