The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Ricky Louis Manuel was born Aug. 13, 1958, in Orange, to Louis Manuel, Jr. and Aleene Miller Manuel.

He was preceded in death by his father, Louis Manuel, Jr.; grandmother, Mrs. Willie Miller; grandfather, Grady Miller; grandmother, Mrs. Olivia Manuel; grandfather, Louis Manuel, Sr.

He is survived by his mother, Aleene Manuel; daughter, Kristina Manuel; son, Kyle Manuel; sister, Sherry Morgan; fiancé, Lou Ann Chism; step-mother, Alisa Manuel; step-son, Timothy Chism and wife, Terri; grandson, Gabriel Chism; step-brother, Charlie Culpepper; niece, Michaela Culpepper; nephew, Frankie Morgan and wife Stacey; great-nephew, Cale Morgan; great-niece, Katelyn Morgan; uncle, Kenneth Manuel and many cousins and great friends.

Ricky graduated high school from West Orange High School in 1976.

He was a two year varsity letterman in football for the West Orange Chiefs and an all-district guard 1975-1976.

Ricky was also a three year letterman in baseball in 1974, 1975, and 1976 with all district honorable mention, was M.V.P. of the West Orange baseball tournament in 1976, and scored the first run in the state championship semi-final game in 1974.

He was on the McDonald Baptist Church basketball team in 1974 and they went to the state championships.

Ricky also enjoyed playing golf, darts, beach volleyball, and sand lot football.

He really enjoyed playing basketball with his friends after school.

After graduation he attended Tyler Junior College for a short time.

Ricky was a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Longhorns. He loved to listen to talk radio, Rush Limbaugh, and ESPN Sports. He was a co-owner of Accent Carpet and was considered one of the best flooring installers in the area by his many customers. He was very meticulous with his work and would always go the extra mile for his customers. What he loved most of all was his family. He was dearly loved by so many people and he will be missed greatly.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday April 10, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. The Rev. Randy Branch will be officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Serving as pallbearers will be Randy Peveto, Eddie Taylor, Mike James, Mitch James, Daniel Gregory, and Marty DeCuir. Honorary pallbearers are Stafford “Catfish” Alexander, Blake Peveto, and Frankie Morgan.