Wilburn Lee Ricketts

Wilburn L. (Bubba) Ricketts, 77, passed away peacefully at his home on June 20, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents Ethel Owneby and Ralph Ricketts.  He is survived by his daughter Candice (Candi) Ricketts and future son-in-law Ricky Hahn, granddaughters Becca and Mary Kate Wheeler, and a host of lifelong friends. At his request and desire to remain at home during his illness, Candi and Ricky were his primary caregivers under the direction of UT Hospice.

Bubba was a 1962 graduate of Bradley County High School and was looking forward to attending his 60 th high school reunion in a few weeks.  He worked in the Hamilton County Assessor of Property Office for over 14 years and counted as two of his best friends former Assessor and County Mayor, the late Claude Ramsey and former Assessor of Property, the late Bill Bennett.  He retired from TMA (Tax Management Associates) after 14 years of service where he crisscrossed the State of Tennessee working with many Property Assessors in 95 counties.  Through those years in working with tax assessments Bubba made and kept friends from across the State.  His collection of friends was his life.

His proudest achievement was his 13 years of sobriety that gave him the opportunity to tell “his story” to anyone struggling with addiction.  Only a few days ago he gave his testimony via Facebook and said he hoped his own struggle would help others.  He credited close friends like the late State Rep. Mike Carter as those who reached out to help him win his battle with alcoholism.

Bubba was involved in political campaigns for many years and helped a number of elected officials in their bid for public office.  He began a group called SETPAC (Southeast Tennessee Political Action Committee) some years ago in an effort to get both parties together to support local candidates and to have meaningful conversations that reached “across the aisle.”

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for June 30 at 6:00 p.m. at Shelter Church, 9516 E. Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN  37421 with the Rev. Sterling Jetton officiating.  Flowers may be delivered to the church.   Memorial contributions may be made to the YMCA YCAP (Youth Community Action Program) 1600 Central Avenue, Chattanooga, TN  37408.

Arrangements by Knoxville Cremation and Memorial Services.