Rickey Austin Sawyer

Rickey Austin Sawyer, a beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away on April 12, 2025, at the age of 68 in Hot Springs, AR where he resided. A graveside service will take place at Lehrton Cemetery in Ruleville, Mississippi, on September 27, 2025, beginning at 3:00 PM. Friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate Rickey's remarkable life and the many ways he touched those around him.

Rickey was born on March 7, 1957, to Howard A. Sawyer & Carolyn Sheedy Sawyer Roberts in Cleveland, Mississippi. Rickey's life was marked by a warm spirit and an infectious personality that endeared him to all who knew him. He was raised in Ruleville, MS by his grandmother, Ruby L. Sawyer, whom he cherished. He graduated in 1975 from North Sunflower Academy laying the foundation for a career that saw him thrive as a supervisor of garments and industry in Ruleville, Mississippi. This role took him across various places, enriching his life with experiences from California to Mexico, Arkansas, and Jamaica.

Rickey was known for being the life of the party always surrounded by laughter and camaraderie. He was passionate about sports and loved reminiscing about the glory days, sharing stories that would bring smiles to faces. Above all, his greatest joy came from his family. He was deeply devoted to his wife, Shana Sawyer, and his children, Carly, Kristina, and Jackson Sawyer, who were the center of his world.

A member of Ruleville Baptist Church, Rickey embraced his faith and community with a warm heart and an open spirit.

He is survived by his loving wife and children, as well as his aunts, Merlene Sawyer Leggett, Katherine Sawyer Braswell, and Mimi Sheedy Ingram, along with a host of cherished cousins and friends who will miss him dearly.

Rickey was preceded in death by his parents, Howard A. Sawyer and Carolyn Sheedy Sawyer Roberts, stepfather, Mike Roberts, along with his grandparents, Wiley H. and Ruby L. Sawyer, and Henry and Lucy Sheedy. His legacy of love, laughter, and dedication to family and friends will forever be remembered.