John William Rickard, 99, of Zephyrhills, passed away after a brief illness in Panama City Beach. John was born in Lacoochee on August 16, 1927. His parents were Castle and Phyllis Rickard. John graduated from Dade City High School in 1944. Immediately following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in World War II. He served for four years as an aviation mechanic. While serving in the Navy, he married his childhood sweetheart, Edith McElveen. After his Navy service, he attended the University of Florida for two years.

He returned to Zephyrhills and worked for Hercules Powder Company for a short time. He then went to work as a rural carrier for the U.S. Post Office. Later, both he and Edith worked as rural carriers, finally retiring.

John was active in several churches in the Zephyrhills area. One of his most memorable experiences was traveling the country by train. On their way back to Florida, they were in the wreck of the Sunset Limited in Mobile, Alabama. Over 40 other people perished in this wreck, but Edith, John, and Edith’s sister, Verona, and brother-in-law, Charles, survived. They went on to share their testimony in many churches all across the U.S. After COVID, John moved to North Florida, where he lived until his passing.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Edith Rickard. He is survived by his children, Steven, William Michael Rickard (Sheila), and Anne Rickard Huff Miller (Dale); grandchildren, Derek, Roseanna, Amsy, Cameron, Shawna, and Melissa; great-grandchildren, Zachary, Braeden, Ethan, Franklin, and Micah; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Graveside service with military honors to be held at Dade City Cemetery after the funeral service.