Rickey Earl Gilchrist, 64, of Center, passed away Friday, September 9, 2022, in Center. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, September 12, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Brandon Jones and Gordon Winslow Jr. officiating. Interment will be at Old Salem Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born December 4, 1957, Rickey is the son of Mauddie Anne "Doodle" Gilchrist and C.B. "Buddy" Gilchrist. Rickey was a highly skilled machinist where he specialized in forklift and heavy machinery operations. His hobbies included restoring antique cars, attending and entering classic car shows where he won numerous awards with his blue 1955 Chevy Belair. Rickey was a well known mechanic, he enjoyed passing on his skills and knowledge to his son and grandsons. Rickey was a member of Center First United Pentecostal Church. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Gilchrist; kids, Randall and Kara Gilchrist of Center, Wesley and Brittany Gilchrist of Center, Brandi Gilchrist of Center, and Brittany Gilchrist of Center; grandkids, Colton, Caden, Blaine, Britlee, Mason, Christian, Kylee, and Kyndell; brother, David Gilchrist and wife Angie; cousin, Dickie Gilchrist and wife Eldora; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Mauddie Ann "Doodle" Gilchrist and C.B. "Buddy" Gilchrist; Baby Gilchrist; and grandparents, Seymore and Lillie Gilchrist. Pallbearers will be Alan Hooper, Bubba Hooper, Ronnie Gregg, Blake Harkness, Shane Ray, Lonnie Whitton, Kase Hooper, and Cheyenne Moore. Honorary pallbearers will be Dickie Gilchrist, Boo Klein, Wesley Warr, and Dakota Womack. The family invites everyone in wearing shades of blue to the visitation or funeral to honor Rickey’s favorite color.

Online condolences and tributes may be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com