Troy Arlis Ricks, 89, of 189 Norwood Circle, Raymond, Mississippi, died Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at Central Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, surrounded by his children.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 17, 2010, at First Baptist Church, Raymond, Mississippi. Visitation will be at First Baptist Church, Raymond, Mississippi, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2010. Interment will be at the Raymond Cemetery.

Troy, or Arlis as he was known during his school years, was born in Prentiss County, Mississippi, on January 26, 1920. He was the youngest of three children.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Maude Lucenda Enis Ricks, who died in 2008.

He is survived by his daughter, Rickey and husband, Michael Mallory; his son, Troy Arlis Jr. and wife Cynthia, and his son, William Ray and wife, Barbara; five grandchildren, Troy Arlis III, Crystal Leigh, Leslie Carol, Phillip Ray and Michaela Grace; and three great-grandchildren, Macie Lynn, Cannon Phillip and Alexander Louis.

Troy began his legendary career in basketball at Wheeler High School. He went on to Mississippi Delta Jr. College and Delta State Teacher's College. At Delta State, he was named All-American, and Most Valuable Player at the NAIB National Tournament. After graduation, he played professional basketball until he was drafted into the Army during World War II. Troy served with the 32nd Red Arrow Infantry Division in the Philippines, and was honorably discharged with two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with Oak Leaves. Once back in the States, he began his illustrious coaching career at Saltillo High School. From Saltillo, he went to Copiah-Lincoln Jr. College and on to Hinds Jr. College, where he coached for thirty-four years. For his outstanding playing and coaching, Troy was inducted into seven basketball halls of fame, including the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, where he had the distinction of being the oldest living inductee. Troy's life was spent in Mississippi, and he devoted his time, his talent and his generous nature to the students and athletes he played alongside, coached and taught during his career. He was one of the most accomplished and honored Mississippians in basketball in this state, indeed in any sport. In addition, he was always active in his church and community. He served as deacon, chairman of various committees and long-time Sunday School teacher for First Baptist Church in Raymond, and held numerous community positions as well. But most importantly, Troy lived his life as a true gentleman, a generous, loving and honorable husband and father, and a devoted Christian. The lives he influenced as a coach, teacher, father, mentor and friend will surely continue to touch lives over many generations to come. For those wishing to make memorials in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Troy Arlis Ricks Scholarship Fund at Hinds Community College or the Gideons.

Published in Clarion Ledger, Jackson, Mississippi, Internet Edition, January 15, 2010