WAYNE – At 8:40 p.m. on Friday, April 10, our precious Ricky-Rick lost his last game. His opponent was a brutal merciless cancer, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).

Ricky was born in Columbus, Ga., Jan. 23, 1993, the son of Richard Henry Jr. and Lisa (Huff) Gibson.

Ricky fought as long and as hard against this opponent as anyone possibly could. Although this game was to be uneven, unfair and the outcome almost certain from the start, our son fought this battle with a strength and determination that was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Ricky died with his love of life, sense of humor, and faith all intact. What an honor and a blessing it was to have such a gift from God the past 16 years.

Ricky will be missed most by his little brother, Jake and his parents, Rick and Lisa Gibson of Wayne; maternal grandparents, Steve and Linda Huff of Winthrop; paternal grandmother, Nancy Priest of Columbus, Ga.; paternal great-grandmother, Nadine Jones of Columbus, Ga.; paternal grandfather, his namesake, was awaiting his arrival in heaven. He was blessed with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends too numerous to name.

His fun-loving spirit and that beautiful, precious smile will be remembered and missed.

The Gibson family extends sincere appreciation to the many, many people who have prayed for, loved, and supported them since September. A special thank-you to those who helped make Ricky’s wish come true.