A Tribute to Pastor Ricky D. Floyd:

The Friend Who Changed My Life

by Dr. Robert J. Watkins, Founder of Kings & Priests, Inc.

Some people leave a mark on your organization. Others leave a mark on your heart. Pastor Ricky D. Floyd did both.

It’s hard to put into words what this man meant to me, to Kings & Priests, and to so many others who were blessed to cross his path. He wasn’t just a board member—he was a cornerstone. Not just a pastor—he was a prophet in sneakers, a comedian in the Spirit, and a mentor to men from every walk of life.

For over a decade, Pastor Ricky never missed a Kings & Priests board meeting. Not one. Whether we were gathering in Atlanta, Orlando, or somewhere in between, he was always there first—usually already sipping coffee and cracking jokes before the rest of us could even find parking. But don’t let the humor fool you: when it came to the things of God, Pastor Floyd was serious. Dead serious.

You’d think a man with such insight, wisdom, and fire would carry an air of spiritual superiority. Not Ricky. He came to every meeting with a servant’s towel, not a title. 

He would encourage you, rebuke you (with love and a laugh), and make sure you were walking upright before God—and he'd do it all before the opening prayer. He was transparent, raw, and real—especially when it came to his own struggles. His vulnerability wasn’t weakness; it was a weapon that helped other men drop their guard and start healing.

He and his beloved Sheila—who he literally could not go three minutes without mentioning—were a walking sermon on love, redemption, and loyalty. The man was head-over-heels in love with his wife. Every conversation eventually circled back to “my bride, Sheila.” He said her name like it was a prayer. You’d think they just got married yesterday the way he talked about her—with awe, passion, and honor.

One of my most cherished memories was when Ricky and Sheila hosted our Kings & Priests Valentine’s Weekend. Their honesty about marriage—the good, the bad, the hilarious, and the hard—was so healing for all of us. He didn’t pretend to be perfect. He didn’t preach at us. He opened his life and his heart. And in doing so, he opened ours. That weekend, I didn’t just hear about transformation—I felt it.

But if I’m honest, what impacted me the most wasn’t his public ministry—it was the private friendship. Pastor Ricky took the time to be my friend. He counseled me through moments where I didn’t know if I was coming or going—when the weight of leadership, marriage, and ministry felt like too much. He didn’t give me churchy clichés. He gave me time. He gave me presence. He gave me truth.

There’s a kind of grief that feels like a punch to the chest. That’s what this feels like. Because when a man of God like Ricky Floyd leaves this earth, he doesn’t just leave behind memories—he leaves behind legacy. A legacy of laughter and loyalty. Of wisdom and worship. Of faithfulness and friendship.

I can still hear his voice in my head: “Doc, don’t you let them folks steal your joy. Stay in love with God and in love with Riva. Everything else will line up.”

I’ll never forget those words. I’ll never forget his impact.

Pastor Ricky D. Floyd wasn’t just a board member. He was the heartbeat of the room. The smile in the storm. The reminder that you can be powerful, broken, holy, and hilarious all at the same time—and still be God’s man.

Thank you, Pastor Ricky, for your life. Your love. Your laughter. And your legacy. I miss you deeply. But I hear you clearly.

And I promise—I'll keep building what we started. I’ll honor the God you loved. And I’ll always keep Sheila and your family in prayer, just like you asked.

Rest well, my brother. You ran your race. You did it right.

And you did it with God, a prayer, and a whole lot of love. You are a King & Priest, forever.

Love Letter to My Brother, Apostle - Pastor Rickey D. Floyd 

If I were asked to describe you in one word, I would have to boldly declare, “Impossible.” Meaning it’s impossible to describe such a soul in just one word! 

I can describe the love that engulfed your soul, the way a warm blanket wraps us on a cold winter’s night. Love enveloped you as if God decided to cover you in extra layers because He knew you would freely give so much of it away. And that’s exactly what you did. 

You loved from a place of pure intention. It was your mission to spread as much of it as you could in the days given to you to walk this earth. 

You were intentional about caring, sharing, teaching, and giving. You sought out new and unconventional ways to show people love. It didn’t matter if you knew them or not. You possessed a caring heart that overcame all obstacles. You understood your assignment and were determined to see it through. Even in challenging times when it may have been difficult to give love, you continued to pour into others. Often depleting your cup and having to take time to refill it.

You were a true soldier fighting to win souls for the Kingdom at all costs, even to the extent of putting your life on the line. 

I’ve had many conversations with God since your departure, asking why you? And God said, “Why not him? His time in the physical has elapsed; I need him here, operating in the spiritual and loving beyond the grave!” 

I smiled because you loved in such a loud way; it only makes sense that He chose you to continue that way for eternity! 

Accepting that you are gone will take some time, but being grateful that you were here gives me an immediate sense of gratification! You made a lasting impression on the lives of many, including mine. You carried many a cross, literally. Your imperfections were corrected by your sincere compassion for the masses and the least of us. 

That loud rumble in your laugh when you were tickled, that quirky sense of humor that made us shake our heads in awe, those unconventional ways of teaching and reaching outside of the box. And that hood-rich, bright pattern mixing, confident classiness that embodied who you are—lives on in each of us blessed enough to carry your love in our hearts. 

Thank you for allowing me to be one of those you carried and loved! 

Dr. Lydia G. Reynolds, PhD 

A Tribute to Apostle Ricky Floyd

"By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another." — John 13:35 (AMP)

It is my honor to write this tribute in memory of Apostle Ricky Floyd. Pastor Floyd was a truly unique and remarkable leader—a dedicated pastor, a loyal friend, a columnist for Sparkman Publication and yes, a brother in Christ.

I first met Apostle Floyd at a conference in Quincy, Illinois. From the moment he entered the room, his presence was undeniable. He had a charisma and confidence that naturally drew people in, compelling them to listen whenever he spoke. He carried himself with dignity and anointing, and it was clear that the Holy Spirit dwelled within him. He had love for everyone.

Apostle Floyd was both warm and approachable, yet unwavering in his seriousness about the things that mattered most. He was deeply devoted to his wife, children, and grandchildren, and the unwavering love he had for them was both evident and inspiring. He spoke of them often and with pride, making sure everyone knew how much they meant to him.

Apostle Floyd also had a profound love for the people of God. His compassion, strength, and faith reminded me of the Scripture: “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). 

Apostle Floyd was a contributing writer for Sparkman Magazine print and online, where he and his beloved wife, Sheila, contributed columns over ten years. Together, they ministered to couples encouraging successful marriages. With transparency, wisdom, and a heart full of compassion, Pastor Floyd poured out his life experiences to uplift and strengthen others.

He also ministered as a presenter at the Sparkman Marriage Bootcamps.

He was not a people pleaser or one to seek the approval of man. He didn’t aim to please people—he aimed to please God. He had a special place in his heart for those the world often overlooks—the so-called "underdogs." He loved boldly, without hesitation, and without shame. He fulfilled the assignments God gave him without waiting for validation from others.

I have no doubt that many unbelievers became believers because of his witness—whether they sat in his church pews or simply observed his life from afar. Apostle Ricky Floyd was, without question, a true disciple of Christ. He served both the spiritual and practical needs of people with intentionality and compassion.

His work in the community was a powerful extension of his ministry. Whether organizing job fairs, providing affordable clothing and housing, or mentoring young men to become strong, faithful husbands, Apostle Floyd’s impact was felt on every level. He understood that meeting one’s needs in the natural realm was also important as ministering to their spirits.

I will always remember Apostle Floyd for graciously writing the foreword to my first book on employment—an act of kindness that meant so much to me. He and his wife, Sheila, extended compassion and unwavering support to our family during a time of deep hardship, and their love left an indelible mark on our hearts. I know without a doubt that we are just one of countless families and businesses that God assigned him to impact.

Apostle Ricky Floyd lived with purpose, and he loved in divine order: God first, followed by his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his family, and then everyone else he could reach—with an enormous, generous love.

As the Scriptures declare:

"By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another." — John 13:35 (AMP)

I believe Apostle Ricky Floyd lived this truth every single day.

 For all that he was, and all that he gave, we give God glory for the life, legacy, and lasting influence of Apostle Ricky Floyd.

Praying the Lord continues to Bless the family of Apostle Ricky Floyd more than anyone could ever imagine.

Marilyn Parker

President

Sparkman Magazine

Tribute to Ambassador, Apostle Ricky D. Floyd Sr.

For over two decades, I traveled in and out of Memphis, Tennessee, and was always warmly welcomed and greeted by Ricky Floyd. He served my life and my network faithfully as the INAM Tennessee State Liaison. He was the host pastor for our Life Christian University Extension Campus. He visited Quincy, Illinois often and stayed in my home on many occasions.

Many called him friend. Others, Pastor. A few called him Dad or Paw Paw. But I alone called him My Son. And on the day we laid him to rest, I stood proudly and declared, “This is my beloved son in whom I am WELL PLEASED!!”

Words are simply inadequate to describe the love Ricky Floyd had—for me, for his family, and for life. He never allowed anyone to speak incorrectly to me or about me. He was a defender of my honor, my office, and of his father.

Time and again, he would call me about something he believed he had heard from God. He was always open to correction and guidance. While he was not one to chase titles or appearances for the sake of church culture, his reverence for the Word of God was unlike any I’ve seen.

His love for Sheila, his children, and grandchildren was deep and unwavering. He often admired how my wife, Ella, had a way of making everyone in the room feel important and valued.

I will miss his hearty laughter, his jokes, and his passion for good food and sharp fashion. I believe we explored just about every restaurant in Memphis together—including Krispy Kreme Donuts!

Ricky was always humbled by the greatness and generosity of God in his life. I remember us walking together on the grounds of Eden Estates Apartments and praying over the grand opening of the Regroup Upscale Thrift Boutique. His vision and dedication left an indelible mark—Memphis and Frayser will bear fruit from it for decades to come. I’ll forever be grateful for God’s gift to Pursuit of God Church: a beautiful, spacious new campus—debt free.

Ricky’s embrace of the "12 Seasons of Vision" revelation was one of my greatest honors. Every year, he taught from that revelation as a living testament to its impact on his life. He would often say, “How does it fit?” when aligning plans with “our” or “the Vision.”

WOW!!

I am forever grateful for my son, Ambassador, Apostle Ricky Floyd. And I am excited to see what God will do in the Frayser/Memphis area, and through the lives of his wife, Sheila; his son, Brennan; his daughter, Christina; and his son, Lil Ricky.

I am better because of the love, laughter, and generosity of “My Son,” Ricky D. Floyd Sr.