Rickey Floyd “Rick” Grider
Rickey Floyd “Rick” Grider, 70, was born May 4, 1953, in Sulphur, to the late Oscar Floyd and Laoma Lois (Garren) Grider. He passed peacefully from this life on Friday, August 25, 2023, at his home, following a 14-year struggle with heart disease.
Rick and the former Ms. Elizabeth “Lisa” Reeves were united in marriage on April 29, 1977, in Sulphur. This union was blessed with two sons, Eric and Philip.
Rick was a lifetime resident of Davis. Following his 1971 graduation from Davis High School, he continued his education at Oklahoma State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics. Although he was raised on the family farm, his degree introduced him to many new farm related ventures which included owning and operating Grider Farms, R & R Produce Company, as well as a partnership with the late Fred Dale in Dale & Grider Cattle and Seed Company. His love for agriculture led him to many years of cattle ranching, raising various crops including watermelons, hay production and seed sales.
Rick was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed keeping track of countless teams’ statistics. His most favorite interest in sports was his involvement with coaching and watching his sons through the Davis Kids Association and throughout their time as Davis Wolves. For many years, he coached little league teams, as well as working tirelessly to improve the association by assisting with new field construction and maintenance. Other than spending time with his family, Rick’s most enjoyable pastime was white water rafting and playing croquet. He was known for building very challenging courses and hosting family and friends croquet tournaments.
Survivors include his loving wife, Lisa; two sons, Eric Grider of Columbia, MO, and Philip Grider and wife Rebecca of Moore, OK; five grandchildren, Mason, Macartney, Matilee, Marie, and Elena; one brother, Mike Grider and wife Melinda of Davis; and two nieces, Randi Watson and husband Craig of Spring, TX, and Ginger Wolfe and husband Jon of Perkins, OK.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m., at Hale’s Memorial Chapel, in Davis, with Brother Thomas J. Thompson officiating. Following the service, family and friends are kindly invited to attend a reception at the Deer Creek #6 Lodge, south of Davis.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Davis Public School Foundation, PO Box 333, Davis, OK 73030, or to the Davis Public Library, 601 Railway Express, Ardmore, OK 73401 (make checks payable to SOLS with “Davis Public Library Renovations in memo).
Services are “Entrusted To” HALE’S Funeral Home of Davis, OK. Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.