Ricky Gene Farmer

Ricky Gene Farmer, known as “Sackman” to many, passed away peacefully at his home in Sarasota, Florida, on May 21, 2026, at the age of 72, after a long battle with colon cancer.

Ricky was born on July 28, 1953, to the late James and Eloise Farmer in Welch, WV. Ricky spent most of his life in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, where he built a life rooted in hard work, laughter, music, and family. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Ricky worked many hands-on trades throughout his life and was never afraid of hard work. In 2018, Rick and Kathy moved to Florida to care for Kathy's parents and enjoy their retirement together. Rick's greatest joy was the family he built through love, not just blood. He welcomed people into his heart and home with open arms, treating friends like family and family like treasured friends. His legacy is one of love, generosity, and kindness. The selfless love he shared with Kathy created a family whose bonds will endure for generations, forever united by the love, acceptance, and sense of belonging they gave to others.

If you knew Sackman, you knew a good laugh wasn't far away. He never met a stranger and found true joy in making people smile. He treasured time spent with friends and loved ones, good stories, and good jokes.

Ricky is survived by his devoted life companion, Kathy Burge of Sarasota, Florida; his daughter, Tessa Kaveny, and son-in-law, Michael Kaveny, of Hickory, NC; and his bonus daughter, Michelle Parks of Sarasota, FL. He is also survived by his youngest sister, Vickie Michaels, and her husband, Jamey; his sister-in-law, Judy Farmer; and the greatest joys of his life, his beloved six grandchildren: Dawson, Mya, Wesley, Nikolai, Caitlin, and Ramona. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Eloise Farmer; his brothers, Larry Farmer, Ronnie Farmer, and Greg Farmer; his sister, Regina Hedrick; his oldest daughter, Amy Nicole Farmer; and his bonus son, Brian Burge.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Amer and the care team at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, and Amanda, his nurse, and others at the Veterans Hospital in Sarasota. This team of medical professionals grew to know and love Ricky. He often said that seeing his care team kept him going, and he loved you all. The compassion and love they showed during this hard season comes with a heartfelt thank you from Ricky's family. Also, a special thank you to his niece, Teresa Farmer, for her support in Florida during his last weeks.

As our hearts grieve the loss of him here on earth, we will always remember the smiles that he put on our faces and carry the love he gave us in our hearts. We will keep his spirit alive at every family and friend gathering by remembering Ricky's laughter, stories, music, love for family, and, of course, the Sackman Shuffle. We will cherish the memories of the good times we shared. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In honor of Ricky, all family and friends are welcome to join us in a celebration of his life. His suffering is gone and he is redeemed. Come join us as we “Sackman” shuffle through this–-one beat, one move, one praise and one smile at a time.

Celebration of Life will be on June 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Leckie Pentecostal Holiness Church, 3377 Anawalt Ridge Rd., Anawalt, WV,24808.

We will try to livestream the event. @ https://www.facebook.com/events/995825872986264