Richard "Ricky" Jackson Oakes Jr.

Richard (Ricky) Jackson Oakes, Jr. passed away October 22, 2026. Ricky was well-known in the Mt. Cross community, he owned and operated Ricky’s Market and Hunting and Fishing Store for many years. Born on June 23,1963, he lived his entire life in Danville and graduated from Tunstall High School. While in high school, he played football and baseball and used every opportunity to get into mischief, much to the dismay of his principals, coaches, and teachers. He loved and supported Tunstall High School baseball and softball for many years, especially while his special kids played. He attended many games, cheering on his special kids and made innumerable donations of time, money, and grilling hot dogs after games. He also supported his special kids at Dan River High School baseball and softball.

As a generational owner of Ricky’s Market and Hunting and Fishing, he loved his morning “coffee club” and the many customers he served over the years. Ricky loved hunting and fishing, and sharing this love with young sportsmen. He took particular joy in teaching his special kids about hunting, tracking, and gun safety.

If you knew Ricky, you knew that he could be found at Buffalo Wild Wings most days. There was much laughter and fellowship at “his table” on a daily basis. Nothing made him happier than laughing with friends and sharing hunting or sports stories. Ricky never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him. He also loved hosting social events at his shop, especially fall “Camperfest” and Tuesday night poker.

Ricky loved joking and fretting; the more he picked at you, was evidence of his love for you, and he welcomed his friends bantering back with him.

He was a generous man who frequently, and often anonymously, gave to charitable causes. Ricky was recognized by all as a humble, honest and dependable man; he always said, “all a man has is his word,” and he practiced this belief throughout his life.

Ricky had many special “nieces and nephews” in his life. He loved those kids like they were his own and always let them know it. “Uncle Ricky” treasured watching these kids grow, play sports, fish in his pond, and just spend time with him. He gave each of them a nickname which always stuck with them.

Ricky, a friend to everyone, had a mind for business and dealing with life’s challenges; others often sought his advice. He told it like it was, even if it was hard to hear. His honesty and true compassion made him a trusted friend and confidant.

Ricky is survived by his beloved wife, Stacey Harville Oakes, and his furbabies, Hank, Trump and Storm. He was preceded by his father, Richard Jackson Oakes, and his beloved furbaby, Nat.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tunstall High School baseball or softball programs or a favorite charity. If Ricky could give a final piece of wisdom, often referred to as “Ricko 101”, he would say, “live life to its fullest, never pass up an opportunity to spend time with friends, let them know you love them, and always stick to your word.”

A celebration of life and graveside service will be held Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Danville Memorial Gardens. Please attend in your daily attire, including your favorite hat. Ricky would want it no other way.