Rickie Armentrout

Rickie Dale Armentrout, 69, of Angier, NC, passed away peacefully with his beloved family by his side at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill. Born on May 21, 1956, in Covington, Virginia, Rickie lived a life marked by grit, generosity, and boundless heart.

A skilled CNC machinist by trade, Rickie moved to Angier in 1989 to build both a business and a legacy. But it wasn't his tools or trade that defined him-it was who he was to everyone lucky enough to know him. Rickie was the neighbor who showed up before you even asked, the friend who could fix anything, and the man who loved his family.

He was the go-to guy for flat tires, leaky sinks, tangled wires, and the occasional snake in the yard. He had the hands of a craftsman and the heart of a caretaker. Rickie was a true man's man-tough, dependable, and endlessly resourceful. He loved the outdoors and could often be found hunting, fishing, camping, and soaking up the sun at Topsail Beach. He was a lover of American history and old westerns.

Rickie's devotion to his family and friends was unwavering. If you needed him, he was there-no questions asked. He didn't just show up; he stayed, he listened, and he cared. His children and grandchildren were the apple of his eye. His hope was to make many more memories with them.

And then there were the animals. His love for them was pure and unmatched. His dog, Sadie May, rode shotgun on errands, and his cat, Hank, rarely left his side. They weren't pets-they were his people. He made room in his heart and on his front porch for every stray that wandered his way.

Rickie was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Velma Armentrout, and his son, Ronnie Sprayberry.

He is survived by his loving wife, Melissa; his son, Christian (Amanda) of Zebulon, NC; his daughter, Nichole of Clayton, NC; and his treasured grandchildren: Ronnie and Sophia Mullins, Easton Armentrout, and the "Bailey kids" - Sarah, Madison, Robert, and Andi of Angier.

He is also survived by his sister, Vickie Lucas (Joey) of Pittsboro; niece Meghan Lucas (Corey) of Silk Hope; and nephew Hunter Lucas of Pittsboro. Rickie also leaves behind extended family: Mike Paxton of WV and Pauline Knick of Covington, VA. His lifelong friends-Chris Moss of Timberlake, Huck Smith of Emerald Isle, and Willie Huerth of Mt. Pleasant, SC.

Per Rickie's wishes, we ask everyone to come just as he would've liked it: dressed for a cookout. Shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops are encouraged-because comfort, laughter, and love were always what mattered most to him.

A special thanks goes to our incredible neighbors-Robert and Kim Bailey, and Calvin, Dorothy, and Kim Wise-for watching over our home while we focused on Rickie in Chapel Hill. Your kindness gave us peace.

To Mike and Lisa Cotton-there are no words big enough. You were there from the diagnosis to the very end. We prayed for more time, and though we didn't get it on earth, we know Rickie has been fully healed and is in the arms of Jesus. Praise God!

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at the UNC Basnight Cancer Hospital Infusion Center and the MICU unit at UNC Chapel Hill, whose care and grace carried us through the hardest days.

A period of visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 AM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 300 E. McIver St., Angier, NC 27501 with a graveside service to follow at Angier Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, 395 E. Depot St., Angier, NC 27501. The funeral will be officiated by Pastor Josh Brown, of Restoration Church in Willow Springs, NC.

Flowers are welcome, or donations may be made to your local animal rescue in honor of Rickie's love for animals.