Richard Allen Bickley Sr

Richard Allen Bickley, Sr. (Rick) was born on December 20, 1943, to Jim and Daisy Bickley in Columbia, SC. He departed this life on May 13, 2021, at his home in Ringgold, GA, surrounded by his loving family.

Rick lived an adventurous life, being on his own from the age of 12. He was a crop duster and worked as a logger in Colorado before joining the United States Marine Corps in 1960. Yes, he lied about his age by 3 years, but he looked the right age. He settled down on Sept 10, 1964 with his wife of 56 years, Marjorie Willbanks Bickley.

SSGT Bickley served his country well for 20 years including two tours of 13 months each in Vietnam. He was awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm and with Frame, Vietnam Service Medal with 6 Stars, Meritorious Unit Citation,Navy Unit Commendation, Rifle Expert 5th Award, pistol Expert 8th Award and several others.
After retiring from the Marines in 1980, he served the citizens of Catoosa County for seven years as a deputy Sheriff. He retired from Shaw Industries as head of security in 2013.

Rick was a wise and no-nonsense man who made a positive and lasting impact on countless lives. He was a hero to our nation and to his family.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Marge Bickley; son, Rowdy (Susan); daughter, Drenda McDonald (Bryan); and son, Race Bickley (Jennifer); many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren; older brother, James Bickley; and sisters, Judy Stuerke (Steve) and Pam LeCruze (Zeke).

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Daisy Bickley; his father-in-law, L.R. Willbanks (Toby); his angelic mother-in-law, Blondell Willbanks; and brother-in-law Charles Lon Willbanks.

Another Marine guarding the Streets of Gold. Semper Fi, SSGT Bickley.