Johnnie Elton Ricketson (JR, John) passed away in Hospice care on July 16, 2024 at the age of 84. He was born in Dixie Camp, a railroad camp outside of Steinhatchee, FL., on March 5, 1940, to Monroe Ricketson and Annie Lee Cook Ricketson.
He leaves behind his loving wife Eileen of 60 years , and three sons; twins Jerry, Joey, and younger son Jamey. He also has several incredible nieces, nephews and grandkids that adored him and he loved them dearly. As well as his brother Tom, Lake City, and Sandra Gibbs, Dade City.
JR was the publisher of
The Apopka Chief
and
The Planter
newspapers. He served in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division. He worked at several newspapers during his career from Florida to Texas and back to Florida. He was active in the Apopka community as a member of the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Apopka and the Foliage Sertoma Club, as well as participating in many city events. JR was passionate about Apopka.
He was a believer in Christ and that was very evident in the way he lived his life and raised his family.
An avid fisherman, he spent any moment he had on the local lakes, and he knew the lakes and waters of Central Florida like his own backyard. There was no one better on or off the water.
Service details will be available at a later date.