COLBERT COUNTY, ALABAMA
OBITUARIES

Tribute to a Faithful Colored Man.

            Rev. George Ricks, colored, seventy-three years of age, died December 25, 1908. As the angels of God sang out on the Christmas air, “Glory to god in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will toward men,” the summons came to him--- “Come unto me, all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
            He laid down his cross and took up his crown.
            Parson George, as he was familiarly known, like Joshua, was a good fighter for the right. His characteristics were, honesty, truthfulness, generosity, freedom of religious thought, and faith in the eternal God. Early in life, he began work in his Master’s vineyard. He was never happier, than on the Sabbath days when he could gather his people together, to sing the songs of Zion and tell of Jesus and His love.
He has sung his last doxology, but to his flock and large family of sons and daughters, weep not, but walk in his footsteps, so on the other shore you may clasp hands and sing hallelujah. R. I, Tuscumbia.  [The Leighton News, Friday, 1 Jan 1909, p. 8]