Rick was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 14, 1955. Because his father served in the military, Rick spent much of his childhood traveling. He lived in different places throughout Europe before his family eventually returned to the United States and settled in Huntsville, Alabama, where his father retired.
It was in high school that Rick met Debbie, the young woman who would become the love of his life. They dated for three years and were married on February 14, 1975—Rick’s twentieth birthday. Over the years, Debbie and Rick built a beautiful and enduring marriage. They were not only husband and wife, but true companions who shared life’s joys, challenges, adventures, and countless ordinary days together.
Rick served his country in the United States Army for ten years and later worked as a computer engineer. He was intelligent and dependable, but he never felt the need to call attention to himself. He was happiest simply being with the people he loved.
As a father, Rick was affectionate, playful, and always ready to tease his children or make them laugh. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren deeply, and they were at the center of his life. He took great pleasure in seeing them happy. Even something as simple as deciding where to eat was never about what Rick wanted; he wanted everyone else to enjoy themselves.
That was the way he lived. He was never selfish, and he was always thinking about someone else.
Some of the family’s happiest memories were made while traveling together. One especially meaningful vacation took them to Germany, where Rick was able to return to places he had known as a boy and share them with his own family. Wherever they went, Rick wanted the children to have a wonderful time. If they wanted to ride a roller coaster, he rode with them. He never rode one alone because the ride itself was not the important part. What mattered to him was being beside someone he loved and helping create a happy memory.
Rick enjoyed talking about Mustangs and Alabama football. He loved going to the movies and watching movies at home with his family. He also looked forward to spending times with his friends over breakfast. Rick appreciated the simple things: a good conversation, a shared meal, a funny story, and time spent with people he cared about.
Those who knew Rick will remember how easy he was to be around. He was laid-back, quick to laugh, and always ready to joke. He rarely seemed stressed and had a way of finding something positive even when life was difficult. His happiness was genuine, and it was contagious.
Rick also had the heart of a servant. He loved helping people and would gladly stop whatever he was doing when someone needed him. On Wednesdays, he often came to Mount Zion to work alongside the church’s facilities manager. He was especially glad to help those who needed an extra hand. Rick was faithful to serve as a light technician on Sunday mornings. He did not do these things for recognition or praise. He helped because he saw a need and believed he could do something about it.
Rick came to know the Lord during the 1980s. After he began attending Mount Zion, he became close to Pastor David McMichael and felt led to renew his commitment to Christ. In 1993, Rick made the decision to quit smoking. He went to Pastor David and handed him his cigarettes. Pastor David gently told him that he needed to give them to the Lord himself by putting them in the trash. Rick did just that. From that day forward, he remained true to his commitment and never touched another cigarette.
Near the end of his life, Rick shared a deeply meaningful vision of standing before the Lord. He described Jesus as wonderfully bright and loving. Rick asked for forgiveness and Jesus opened His arms to receive him. Rick was overwhelmed with joy. That experience gave him peace and left him unafraid to die. He was grieved by the thought of leaving Debbie and the family he loved so dearly, but he was also filled with anticipation at the thought of seeing Jesus.
Rick wanted everything to be kept as simple as possible. That request reflected the humble, uncomplicated way he lived. He did not need attention or recognition. He simply loved his family, served his Lord, helped people whenever he could, laughed often, and tried to make those around him happy.
Rick was a humble man of God that loved the Lord and served his family well. He leaves a wonderful legacy of true Christian devotion and love for his fellow man.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Debbie Hoffman; his beloved children, Daniel Hoffman and Valerie Sheaffer; and his cherished grandchildren, Terra Hoffman, Aurora Rich, Lori Morris, and Kingston Hoffman, as well as his great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly.
Visitation will be held at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 228 Mt Zion Rd, Huntsville, AL 35806, on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at Mount Zion Baptist Church beginning at 2:00 pm.
A Graveside Service will take place at Mount Zion Cemetery, Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35806, on September 5, 2026 immediately following services.
