Rickie James Campbell

Rickie James Campbell, affectionately known as "Slick Rick" by the group of guys in his community, departed this life peacefully on June 27th at the age of 69. On that day, God dispatched an angel to bring Rickie home while he was peacefully in the care of the staff at Lisa's Family Care Home. Rickie was born on July 31, 1956, in Syracuse, New York to the union of Willie J. Campbell and Katie Mae Adams Campbell. At a young age, while residing in New York, he attended Word of Life Church. He later relocated to Forest City, North Carolina, where he visited various churches and continued to be surrounded by people who cared for and loved him. Rickie was a graduate of the Roosevelt Public School District in Roosevelt, New York. Throughout his life, he was a hard worker, despite special challenges with his health. For many years, he worked as a porter and dishwasher at a restaurant in Garden City, New York. He also worked at local delis, beauty supply stores, and barber shops, where he became a familiar and beloved presence in the community. Rickie was truly one of a kind. He was known for his unique personality, his big heart, and his willingness to help others-no matter who they were. Rickie would sometimes give money to strangers and say, "I am paying my tithes." That was Rickie: generous, caring, and always willing to give. He was a man of few words, but he was always watching, listening, and observing the people and world around him. He loved being outdoors and could often be found outside, no matter the weather, drinking his coffee and smoking his cigarettes. Rickie also had a wonderful sense of style. He loved to dress elegantly and was always a sharp dresser. He enjoyed wearing three-piece suits, trench coats, and hats with shoes to match. Rickie was decked out all the time-no matter the day, time, or occasion. His fashion and style were uniquely his own. Rickie loved good food and enjoyed eating at his favorite restaurant, Cracker Barrel; but he also enjoyed buffets and fast-food restaurants. He especially loved milkshakes and lots of sweets. Rickie recently gained an interest for watching soccer during the World Cup series. Rickie's life touched many people. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, his distinctive style, his quiet observation, his love of the outdoors, and the special way he brought his own personality into every room and every community he entered. Rickie was preceded in death by his parents, Katie Mae Adams Campbell and Willie J. Campbell; his brother, R.C. Hood; and his sister, Brenda (Melvin) Jefferson. He leaves a tapestry of memories woven with love to forever be cherished by his nieces, Erica, Nashalla, and Kafayn; his nephews, Melvin III and Shunn; his great-nieces, Alexis, Naszaea, and Breanna; great-nephew, Tyliek; his great-great-niece, Xolani; his great-great-nephew, Zion; his aunt, Nancy; his cousins, Julia, Buffy, Hannah, Darrell, Kimoni, Legend, Rasheeda, Gregory, Francell, Eddie, John L., Linda, and Gwyn; and a host of other relatives and friends who will forever keep his memory alive. The family extends special thanks to the staff and owner of Lisa's Family Care Home for all the years of service, care, and assistance provided to Rickie. The family also expresses sincere gratitude to the staff of Magnolia House for their kindness and support. A heartfelt thank-you is also extended to Uptown Barbershop for all the support, love, encouragement, and kindness shown to Ricky throughout the years. Rickie James Campbell was truly a one-of-a-kind man. Though he is no longer with us, his memory, his style, his generosity, and the many unique moments he shared with others will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Rest peacefully, Slick Rick. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered

Tributes

Rickie James Campbell

July 31, 1956 - June 27, 2026