Willie Ralph Wicker

Willie Ralph Wicker, 71, passed away in his home early Sunday morning March 29, 2026.

A visitation was held on April 1, from 5PM until 8PM, and continued April 2, from 9AM until services at 10AM all at Tangipahoa Baptist Church. Burial was in the church cemetery and Bro. Mike Morris did officiate. Hartman Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Ralph was born on September 3, 1954 in McComb, to the late William Arthur and Margarete Wicker. Ralph graduated high school in 1971 from Amite School Center, and then followed up with an Associate's degree from SMCC.

Ralph meant many things to many different people. He was a brother to 4 sisters, a loving father to his daughters whom adored him, father-in-law, and grandfather. He was a pampered girl dad who had his girls wrapped around his fingers. He was admired by his son-in-laws who were always there to lend him a helping hand.

His faith in our Lord Jesus Christ was evident! He was a long time member of Tangipahoa Baptist Church and participated in their church choir. He lived his entire life in the Summit Community, where he raised his beautiful family, and built a successful business, Wicker Building Supply.

He had a very generous humble spirit, he never hesitated to help anyone in need, and above all, he loved to eat out with his friends and family. Ralph loved life and it always showed with his happy smile, his contagious laugh, and his sense of adventure.

He was very friendly and outgoing; there was nothing he enjoyed more than having a great conversation. Ralph had so many friends and never met a stranger. He had many interests, including being a skilled carpenter, racing cars, riding motorcycles, but music was his true passion.

He played bass guitar with many different groups through the years. We believed God gave him the gift of music which was so healing for him and for others. He frequently played at nursing homes and many other venues.

He was truly real and unpretentious. He accepted and loved all people and people loved him. Paw Paw Ralph was a celebrity among the grandkids and their friends. He was always up and ready for any sporting event, choir, gymnastics, anything the kids were involved in. He wanted to be there! He was so proud of them and was their biggest fan; his family was the upmost importance to him.

He loved his home and his loyal trusted companion, Rambo. We will miss hearing his upbeat demeanor, wise advice, jokes, and his wonderful smile.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter Kayla Wicker; and 3 brother-in-laws Bobby Earhart, Bill James, and Olin Lee.

He is survived by his 4 daughters, Robin Melton (Steven), Alison Barnett (Matthew), Amanda Wicker, and Emily Smith Wicker (Justin King); 4 grandchildren Lylian Melton, William Melton, Ansley Barnett, and Weston Barnett; 4 sisters Ginger Wicker Wilson (Fred), Janice Wicker Lee, Ruth Wicker James (Michael Hart), and Kay Wicker Leone; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Pallbearers were William Melton, Weston Barnett, Seth James, Jason Price, Patrick Wicker, Michael Wicker, Tommy Carruth, Parker Robinson, and Mason Wilson.