Ricky Stacy Darling
Ricky Stacy Darling, of Crystal Springs, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, went to be with the Lord on April 27, 2026.
He was born in Jackson on Nov. 8, 1963. Ricky attended Copiah-Lincoln College and began a career as an electrician in the family business right out of college. For 40 years, he built a reputation across the state as a man of integrity and tremendous work ethic, and was regarded as highly knowledgeable and creative in his chosen trade.
He married the love of his life, Lanita, in 1991. Daughter Cara and son William were the biggest blessings in his life. In addition to his immediate family, he also cherished his church family at Hopewell Baptist Church, serving as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years. He will be remembered for his unwavering faith and love of Jesus, his generosity, and kindness to those in need–both human and animal.
Ricky enjoyed sports, especially Ole Miss football, and a Saturday afternoon in the fall at Oxford was a favorite event. Even better was a bowl game in January. He was known for an infamously-dry sense of humor, and even Miss Bonnie couldn’t always tell if he was teasing or not. You could look for the twinkle, but he could keep a straight face while you wondered. Then he’d laugh when he knew he’d got you. He had an ability to look at the bright side of almost any situation.
He is survived by his cherished wife of 35 years, Lanita; daughter, Cara (Alan); son, William; sister, Yvonne West (Brad); nephews, Chris Shannon and Scottie Shannon; brothers-in-law, Kevin Clark (Stephanie), James Ray Clark, and Mitchell Clark; and pupsters, Abby and Jax.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Bertieze Darling; mother, Bonnie Anderson Cupstid; stepfather, Charles Cupstid; sister, Vickie Lynn Shannon; and brother, William Bertieze Darling Jr.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your place of worship.
Visitation will be at Hopewell Baptist Church from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 1, and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 2. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 2.
