Ricky Claunch, 63, of Gulfport, Mississippi, formerly of Oakland, Tennessee, passed away on November 1, 2026, in Gulfport. He was born on May 23, 1963, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Ricky worked as a plumber until he became disabled several years ago. He was a man who enjoyed life and the people around him. He loved watching NASCAR, traveling, spending time with his family, going to the beach, fishing, and mud riding. He generally loved to have fun and will be remembered for that spirit. Ricky was Baptist in faith and had attended Oakland First Baptist Church in earlier years. He had lived in Gulfport for the past 11 years and had lived in Oakland before that.
He is survived by his son, Daniel Ryan Claunch; his daughter, Brittany Le’Ray Claunch; his father, Jimmy F. Claunch; and his brothers, Jimmy L. Claunch and David G. Claunch. May his memory remain a blessing to those who knew and loved him.
Ricky was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Ruth Tigner Claunch; his sons, Bradley Shane Claunch and Zackary Claunch; and his aunt, Kathy Marie Suggs.
Visitation will be held on November 7, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Shackelford Funeral Directors – Bolivar, 109 Mecklinburg Drive, Bolivar, Tennessee 38008. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Shackelford Funeral Directors – Bolivar. Interment will take place at Wyatt Cemetery, 125 Cemetery Ln, Hornsby, Tennessee 38044. Memorials in his name may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or American Heart Association (www.heart.org).
