Obituary of Joseph Ricketts

Joseph Easkrine Ricketts of Decherd, TN died on July 21, 2012, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He was born January 24, 1925, in Monteagle, TN. He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Ricketts , mother Janie Trussell Ricketts, brother Egbert, and sisters Mary Ellis and Ruth Sutherland. He is survived by several nieces and nephews. Mr. Ricketts retired from the University of the South in Sewanee in 1987 where he was employed as a groundskeeper for the athletic department. He served in the Army 1943-45 and was a decorated veteran of World War II. In the Army, he was attached to the 36th Texas Infantry Division and fought in Naples, Rome, Southern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He received a Bronze Medal for heroic achievement in combat in February 1945 near Drusenheim, France. He was also the recipient of the EAME Theater Ribbon with five bronze Stars and a Bronze Arrowhead; a Good Conduct Medal; and a Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster. Mr. Ricketts also served in the Navy from February 1946 through December 1947, where he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal. Mr. Ricketts lived most of his life in the Sewanee and Decherd areas. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, July 29, 2012 in Harrison Cemetery in the Midway community. Online condolences may be made at www.cumberlandfuneralhome.net. Arrangements by Cumberland Funeral Home Monteagle, Tennessee 931-924-2381