Ricky Randall Wooten

Ricky Randall Wooten, age 65 years, was born in Hodgenville KY, June 8, 1954, to Mary Catherine Curle Wooten and William “Byrd” Thurman. Ricky attended school in LaRue County and graduated from LaRue County High School. He was a track star and played football as a running back.  He was in the “Letterman’s Club” in LaRue County.  He was so fast that his track coach, Mr. Mitchell nicknamed him “O.J.”.  Most people in the neighborhood called him O.J. or “Pretty Ricky”. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys and UCLA basketball fan, who also loved NASCAR and old cowboy movies.

Ricky loved horses and was encouraged to ride and train them by his uncles June Curle and Mouse. He trained horses in Hodgenville, Louisville, and various places.  He was also the exercise boy at Churchill Downs. One of his hobbies included going on two trail rides a year in Missouri. He loved to talk about riding on the steep mountains with friends Sonny and Susie Jones. Ricky had a passion for studying horses to pick the winner in a race. He loved going to Thurby and betting on horses. If you asked him what horse to bet on, he would never tell you which horse he picked to win, but in the end, he always won. Ricky retired from Life Connection this year.  He enjoyed transporting the kids from Life Connection to his brother Paul’s basketball camp every year.

Ricky accepted Christ at an early age when he joined Lane Lincoln AME Church, where he oversaw the music department with the late Paul Cobb. Ricky departed this life on April 30, 2020 at Hardin Memorial Hospital.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Pamela Handley, and brother Gregory Wooten, mother Catherine, and father Byrd. Ricky leaves to cherish his memories: daughter Nikki (Cedric) grandchildren Terrion, Jocelyn, and Azaria. Sister, Jewell (Charles), brothers Larry (Marva), Paul (Linda), and Scotty. Special cousins, Martha Frances Williams, Sharon Goodin, Darnell Handley, Woodie Handley, Jamarquis Handley, and Lefty Cobb. Special friends, Bruce Arnette, Maceo Arnette, Bobby Powell and William Masden. Special niece, Portia Jennings, and several other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

In accordance with the governor’s mandate, you are invited to drive by Ricky’s residence at 506 Kirkpatrick Avenue (please enter from Churchill Avenue) from 1 to 3 PM, Wednesday May 6.  The family will be there to receive your condolences from the safety of your vehicle.

Funeral services will be livestreamed at 11 AM, Wednesday, on the Bennett-Bertram Funeral Home Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Bennett-Bertram-Funeral-Home-111362237174214/ with Rev. Billy Curle officiating.  Burial will follow in Hubbard Cemetery.

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