Rickie Lynn McDonald

Rickie Lynn "Rick" McDonald, 73, of Concord, went home to be with Jesus on Friday, September 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

A celebration of Rick's life will be Monday, September 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Wilkinson Funeral Home chapel, with Rev. Wes Judy officiating. Burial will follow at Cabarrus Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m. Monday, September 21, 2026, at Wilkinson Funeral Home.

Born July 4, 1953, in Concord, Rick was the son of the late Carrie Shoe McDonald and Luther "Luke" McDonald. He was also preceded in death by his niece, Leslie Simpson, and nephew, Lynn Earnhardt.

Rick is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 53 years, Kathy Biggers McDonald; his stepmother, Judy McDonald; sisters, Pam Gantt and husband, Tom, and Becky Wilson and husband, John; brother, Billy McDonald and wife, Alisa; and sisters-in-law, Linda Earnhardt and Marie Hamelin.

He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Karey Black and husband, Ray, Ryan Simpson and wife, Jessica, Daniel Wilson and wife, Leah, Jason Earnhardt and wife, Mandy, Annmarie Spielvogel and husband, Ean, Jackson Hamelin, and Sam Hamelin; and his grandnieces and grandnephews, Carolina Black, Grayce Black, Miller Deas, Jaden Havens, Gage Simpson, Paisley Wilson, Asher Earnhardt, and Sailor Earnhardt.

A 1972 graduate of Concord High School, Rick worked for Florida Steel Drum during his working years. Although a disability presented challenges throughout his life, Rick never allowed it to define him. He was fiercely independent, particular about doing things the right way, and took tremendous pride in caring for the things he had. Whether it was his clothes, his tools, his cars, or his yard, Rick believed that if something was worth having, it was worth taking care of.

Rick loved cars. For many years, he enjoyed getting together with his car buddies, and as the years went by, he could often be found watching classic car shows on television or enjoying online racing. Even when he could no longer do the yard work himself, Rick was still more than willing to give instructions to make sure everything was maintained just the way he wanted it.

He enjoyed hunting, particularly dove, squirrel, rabbit, and turkey shoots, and he was quite a pool player-someone his family fondly remembers as a true "pool shark." Rick also had a great love for fish and aquariums. He enjoyed trips to the fish store and took great pride in keeping his aquarium beautiful and meticulously cared for.

Some of Rick and Kathy's sweetest times came after Kathy retired, when the two could simply sit outside together in the evenings and watch the hummingbirds. Those quiet moments became especially meaningful, and hummingbirds will forever bring special memories of Rick to those who loved him.

Rick's faith was an important part of his life. He faithfully read his Bible, and when someone wasn't sure what or how to pray, Rick's advice was simple: pray the Lord's Prayer. His faith carried him throughout his life and gave him comfort and strength.

Above everything else, Rick loved his family. He dearly loved his nieces and nephews and treasured the closeness his family shared. He especially valued the family tradition of gathering together for Thanksgiving and Christmas. One of the messages he wanted to leave with those he loved was simple but important: stay together, love one another, and take care of each other.

Rick will be remembered as a loving husband, brother, uncle, and friend; a man of faith and determination who valued his independence, his family, and the simple things that brought him happiness. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is no longer hurting, is walking again, and is home with the Lord.

Pallbearers will be Morri Irvin, Frank Irvin, Jeff Irvin, Dale Irvin, Thomas Irvin, and Sonny Lipe.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Cabarrus, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081, or Central United Methodist Church Children's Ministry, 30 Union Street N, Concord, NC 28025.