Rickie Lynn Malone was born on January 3, 1959, to the late Rufus Malone Jr. and Flora Bell Wisdom Malone in Logan County, Kentucky. He departed this life in the early morning hours of August 4, 2024, at the Medical Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
At an early age, Rickie became a member of the Macedonia Baptist Church. He enjoyed attending Sunday and Wednesday church services in Macedonia and other area churches, as well as many special services throughout the week until his death.
Rickie graduated from Auburn High School and attended two semesters at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He obtained Industry and Technology training certificates from Western Kentucky University and Colt Industries in statistical process control training and interpersonal skills. He worked at Howlett Chevrolet, Colt Industries Holley Automotive Division, and Eaton Corporation. In 1994, he found his true calling when he established Malone’s Home Improvement, where he used his paintbrush to create beautiful spaces, one home and one church (including Macedonia) at a time.
His union of 23 years with Tamara Harriford Malone brought forth one daughter, Natalie, whose travels and adventures he enjoyed listening to with a smile.
Rickie was affectionately known to his childhood friends as “Boss” or “Boss Hog.” He took great pride in planning his outfits daily, with his clothes consisting almost exclusively of his “finds” from local thrift stores. He laid out his fashion choices daily, and he never met a hat that he didn’t love. He was a loyal fan of Western Kentucky University basketball and football and attended games on a regular basis. A little-known fact was his hidden talent for drawing beautiful pictures. He was a quiet man with a loving, giving, and caring heart. His kind heart was evident in the role he played in helping to care for his mother during her illness. While helping with caregiving, he perfected his cooking skills, often sharing meals with neighbors. When his health began to fail, he never complained about his fate.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Natalie Malone of Lexington, Kentucky; six sisters, Louise Blanton and Elaine Burton (Herman) of Bowling Green, Kentucky; Shirley Malone-Fenner (Grady) of Chester, Virginia; Sandra Malone Gilmer (Ron) of Fort Washington, Maryland; Celida Malone of Clinton, Maryland and Stephanie Malone of Louisville Kentucky; one uncle, June Wisdom of Evansville, Indiana and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be so greatly missed.
Arrangements are in the care of Gamble Funeral Home.