Ricardo Atkins Jr.

Ricardo Atkins Jr. was born to Jacqueline Dailey and Ricardo Atkins Sr. on June 28, 1980 at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Many family members, cousins and acquaintances often called him “Little Rick”, “Rick,” “Ricky,” “Pretty-Ricky,” or “Slick-Rick.” His mom always called him “My Ricky” – her favorite from the list of nicknames. Ricardo was a vibrant baby, full of life and energy, earning the name “wild man” from his mom and older brother, Kevin. Ricardo grew up in the Pimlico-Belvedere neighborhood of Sunset & Levindale, where he remained until adulthood. Ricardo was a proud product of Baltimore City Public Schools. He attended Mount Washington Elementary School, where he met many friends from his neighborhood who also attended the school. They built strong bonds that lasted well into adulthood (and yet forever). He loved them all dearly. Ricardo became a big brother in 1986 to John, and again in 1988 to Ashley. As a youth, he enjoyed play-fighting with them, playing his favorite Nintendo video games, climbing and jumping from the family’s tall tree in the front yard; and watching TV- especially during the Saturday morning cartoon circuit. Ricardo’s smile and radiant personality as a baby amplified during his early childhood years. After completing his elementary education, he attended Fallstaff Middle School where he had fun in the hallways, often joking around with friends from his neighborhood; all of whom attended Fallstaff together. During this time, he developed a love for bikes and skateboards. Ricardo owned tons of bikes and skateboards, often breaking each one after trying a new trick or to break a new record. Ricardo was very strong and athletic. He would perform backflips better than an Olympic gymnast. He loved his sports and won many games playing basketball and football. He broke his Achilles-Heel and shoulder bone in the process. Ricardo loved the game of soccer. Often perfecting moves he learned from his older brother, teammates and professional soccer players. He played soccer for 15 years, where he joined the Woodlawn Soccer Team, special travel teams, summer-winters leagues and invite-only camps at Loyola College for high-talent players. He began learning each position but quickly became known for his offense abilities and quick ball-handling skills; making many ball stops - leading his teams to victory. And of course, he loved his Baltimore Ravens. In 1999, Ricardo graduated from Carver Vocational - Technical High School, where he studied automotive engineering as his trade. His education and training became paramount as he purchased his first vehicle, a 1989 2-door Black Acura Integra. He owned a few more cars but his favorite was his Baby Blue 2-door Cadillac with 20-inch rims that he purchased with money saved from working at the Weinberg Place. He worked there for many years, caring for seniors and their dietary needs. He absolutely loved driving around the city with his friends, who all drove the same Cadillac model. They loved to wash their cars together while listening to music and planning the next event or party to attend; especially, driving through Druid Hill Park on a Sunday afternoon. Ricardo loved to dance. Often practicing his moves at home before heading to his favorite clubs on the weekends. He was known for taking family members and friends to many parties, dancing the night away. As time progressed and the years passed, Ricardo worked to support and thrive in his adulthood. He continued employment with Southwest Airlines, Sinai Hospital and Amazon. He excelled in work environments where he was required to use his hands. Ricardo had a quiet spirit, and yet always cared for and empathized with others. Whether a coworker needing a helping hand or friend, he was more than willing to assist and offer a small word of encouragement along the way. As kind-hearted and slow to anger as Ricardo was, he never hesitated to put you in your place if you deserved it. On February 17, 2017, Ricardo married his wife, Chloe Atkins, the love of his life. They met at Carver High School but were unacquainted at the time. Although they appeared together in a high school group photo, they did not know each other well. Unbeknownst to them, God had a greater purpose and ordained their marriage. Ricardo sent Chloe a message on Facebook in 2016, and they never stopped talking. After many dates and spending time together, they married seven months later, building a beautiful life together and strengthening their faith in God. The Lord orchestrated where they lived, whom they connected with, where they worked, and what their God-given mission would be. Although Ricardo did not have biological children, the Lord birthed a ministry and a business through him and his wife—Better Walk Ministries and Charge Entry Billing Services—right in their apartment. In their seven years of marriage, Ricardo developed a prayer life and a deeper understanding of God’s grace and purpose for his own life. He was an example to many men of what it means to provide for your family, take accountability, protect, and lead. He always went before the Lord for everything he needed, whether it was instruction, direction, strength, wisdom, mercy, or more grace for the journey—and he always encouraged others to do the same. Ricardo knew God for himself. To God be the glory! Ricardo departed this life and into God’s eternal glory on October 15, 2024. He leaves to mourn his wife, Chloe Atkins; mother, Jacqueline Dailey; stepfather, John Dailey Jr.; two brothers, Kevin and John; one sister, Ashley; aunts, Patricia, Cynthia, Brenda, Karen, Renae, Lenora, Debbie, Linda and Jackie; three uncles, Sonny, Kevin and Timothy; stepdaughter, Kaylin; mother-in-law, Sharon; step father-in-law, Tussant; father-in-law Andre Sr.; two brothers-in-law, Andre Jr. and Jamal; and a host of cousins and friends. Ricardo will be missed but never forgotten.

Tributes

Ricardo Atkins Jr.

June 28, 1980 - October 15, 2024