Ricky Harris

Ricky Earl Harris, 61, of Wilson, died Monday, December 15, 2025.

A visitation will be Sunday, December 21, 3:00-5:00 PM at Wilson Memorial Service.

Ricky will be remembered first for his big, unmistakable smile — the kind everyone noticed and everyone mentions. It reflected the warmth and openness he carried through life, along with his playful spirit and love of laughter. A natural jokester, he delighted in teasing friends and family and pulling the occasional prank, finding joy in making others laugh and never taking life too seriously.

He was a passionate sports fan, never missing a NASCAR race, cheering especially for his favorite driver, Jimmie Johnson, and always in front of the TV for every Carolina Tar Heels basketball game and Washington Redskins football matchup. Away from the screen, he poured the same dedication into his work as a lifelong painter of homes, a craft he learned from his father, Tom, who instilled in him a strong work ethic and pride in quality work.

He also had a deep love for music, building a collection of more than 200 vinyl records that reflected his appreciation for creativity, storytelling, and the simple joy music brought into his everyday life. Above all, he loved his family and friends fiercely, offering kindness, laughter, and loyalty without hesitation.

Though his absence leaves a profound emptiness, his spirit lives on in the memories he created, the homes he helped shape, the music he loved, and the unmistakable smile that will never be forgotten.

He is survived by his daughters, Marybeth Harris and Regan Harris of Wilson; son, Justin Harris (Stacey) of Kenly; sister, Shannon Aycock (Richard) of Stantonsburg; brothers, Tim Harris (Elizabeth) of Fayetteville and Michael Harris of Pikeville.

Ricky was preceded in death by his parents Tom and Mary Oakey Pipkin.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com