Ricky Redding 1952-2024
Born December 15, 1952 in Bisbee, ArizonaPassed November 17, 2024 in Melbourne, Florida
Ricky Redding 12/15/1952-11/17/2024
Ricky Redding, the “Son of A Sailor,” the coolest cat among other cool cats that was ever cool, the free-est freedom loving hippy that is now permanently free, one of the last members of the “White Boot Brotherhood.” Commercial fishing was his life and when the nets were banned, he found a way to keep the river and ocean close and share his spoils with his family.
Ricky was a dad, a confidant, an uncle, brother, grampa and partner, and he was the best there was. Whether he called you by your given name or gave you a nickname like, “Almost,” “No Heat,” or “Noodle Arm,” it was with love in his heart. His specialty was “advice,” and he provided the most entertaining explanations around why things happen the way they do. He could tell a story like nobody’s business, it took you a while to get to the end, but it was always worth the wait.
The Captain of the boat during family trips to the Keys until he saw “The Law,” then he made sure that everyone knew that if we accidentally had a short catch, he was no longer the Captain. Anytime he was fishing with his son or grandkids, he would tell them the same. Island life was the life for him, whether he was looking for sharks’ teeth, signing for clams, camping with his family or dragging the kids around the river on a tube, or blow-up alligator.
Baseball was his second love, whether it was his son, his nephew or his grandsons. He loved going to the games, cheering them on and giving them tips on how they could be the best they could be. Whatever we did, he supported and encouraged us to chase our dreams. When life got rough, he would sit and listen, no judgement, only kind eyes and guidance that only Ricky could give.
He didn’t drink, but he loved a good party, it gave him the opportunity to tell his stories, laugh, make other people laugh and spend time with those that he loved most. That’s who he was, and if you had the pleasure of wandering into his life, you’re one of the luckiest people on the planet.
GO GATORS!!!
Ricky loved the water, if you’d like to do something in honor of him, please use the link below to donate to the restoration of our beloved Indian River Lagoon. https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E342247&id=4
