Ricky Don Whitis

Ricky Don Whitis, born on February 21, 1953, in Lampasas, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on August 12, 2025. He was surrounded by friends, family, and his two beloved dogs during his final moments. Rick spent his last days looking out of the windows of the home that he built with his wife Sharon, with a view of his beautiful land.

Rick was a rough-hewn and unpretentious man. He enjoyed spending the evening in the peaceful backyard of his home, feeding the deer who visited every night. Though he enjoyed the ZZ Top song, “Sharp Dressed Man,” Rick was, in fact, rarely seen without his signature overalls and engineer’s hat, which, much to the chagrin of his wife, was consistently covered in rock dust. On special occasions, one might catch him in his “fancy” pair.

Rick prided himself on his resilience. He viewed challenges as opportunities, rather than obstacles. Those who knew him best saw many examples of this character trait, but joked most often about his old lawn mower. No seat? No problem. Rick just repaired it with an old bicycle seat. Faulty, and somewhat dangerous gas tank? Not a concern. Rick repaired that with an old milk jug and some duct tape. Much delight was had in watching him ride that nightmare around his yard.

Though he was quiet by nature, he would never miss a morning socializing at the coffee shop with his friends, scratching at lotto tickets, earning him the nickname Ol’ Scratch. It was a nickname well-earned, as never has there been a luckier player. He would routinely win hundreds of dollars on multiple tickets, often on the same day. In fact, some his last few days saw his clothes covered in scratcher debris.

Most people know that Rick was a stone mason, but few recognize that he was also an artist. His first rock job was at fourteen years old, but Rick fell in love with it. He had a skill for shaping a stone with precision that was unmatched. His legacy can be seen in the architecture all around Central Texas.

Rick was generous and thoughtful. He had a bright and ready smile that left an impact on everyone he met. He will forever be missed by all whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Sharon, her children, Michael and Mandi, and Mandi’s daughters, Taylor and Holly. as well as his sisters, Brenda and Vickie. He leaves a niece, Dusty Jean and her children, Brazos and Jodi. He is also survived by a dear and cherished friend, Marvin Jackson.  Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Jean Whitis.

Visitation will be held on August 18, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Copperas Cove Location, 1614 S FM 116, Copperas Cove, TX, 76522. A funeral service will take place on August 19, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Refuge-Ministries, 2602 S FM 116, Copperas Cove, TX, 76522.