Rickey Warren Boatley earned his wings on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Rickey confessed Christ at an early age at Pleasant Run Baptist Church, Buckeye, Ky, where he served as youth leader, usher and enjoyed singing.

Later years, he became a member of St. Paul AME Church, Versailles, KY, under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Robert A.
Strode. Rickey sang in the Men's Chorus, attended Church School, served as an usher and assisted in culinary arts. Upon returning to Lancaster he attended The Church of Jesus Christ, of the Apostolic Faith, under the pastorate of Bishop Earl D. Thornton. Rickey enjoyed singing and the worship experience until his health declined.

Rickey was a professional culinary artist. For many years he was employed at The Depot Restaurant, Stanford, Ky where he hailed as "The Best Cook". During summer months he enjoyed barbecuing for family and friends. Also, he enjoyed camping and fishing. 

Rickey had the most wonderful sense of humor, there was never a dull moment. Even during his illness he always found a way to keep others uplifted, including physicians and staff. 

He was kind and had an outgoing personality. He had numerous friends of all ages and never met a stranger. 

Rickey loved his family and friends with a passion, but most of all he loved the Lord.
He especially loved and was loved by his nieces and nephews. They all loved "Uncle Rickey", especially when he played (on his knees) matchbox cars with them.

He had a very close relationship with his brother-in-laws, Bishop Earl Thornton and Pastor Robert A. Strode. He was more like a little brother to them, as opposed to brother-in-laws. They affectionately referred to each other as “BIL”.  

Rickey was proceeded in death by his mother Lucille Simpson Boatley, his father Wallace Warren and was reared by his grandparents Dolly and Jake Penson, nine siblings; Sylvester, Richard Allen, Jerry Walker, Curtis Wayne, Janet, Mary Ellen, Shelia Faye, Virginia Lee and Ellis Dean.

Rickey leaves to cherish his memory, two sisters Brenda (Earl) Thornton, Lancaster, Ky and Shelby (Robert "R.A.")
Strode, Frankfort, Ky. Also, he will be missed by an Aunt Lena Johnson, Louisville, Ky, two Uncles James Simpson and Walter Simpson, Lexington, Ky, nieces, nephews, great, great-great nieces, nephews and a host of cousins and extended family.

Funeral services will be 12pm Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Spurlin Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be from 11am until service time Saturday. Burial will follow in Milton Simpson Cemetery in Lincoln County, Kentucky. 

Pallbearers will be Antonio Palmer, DeMond Thornton, William Thornton, Malique Thornton, Hezakyah Thornton and Tony Hood. 

Honorary Pallbearers will be Ed Kubiak, Simon Norris, Henry Overstreet, and Robert Payton.