Ricky Ray Link

Ricky Ray Link, age 67, passed away on Sunday, 2nd March 2025 in Montgomery, Texas. Born on Wednesday, 14th August 1957 in Palestine, Texas, Ricky was a giving and hardworking beacon of light throughout his life. He graduated from Palestine High School in Palestine, Texas in 1975 where he was a linebacker with the school’s football team. He later graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and is a Lifetime Member of the Sam Houston State University Alumni Association. Ricky began his career at Texaco and then Chevron from 1979 to 1994. Throughout his 40-year career, Ricky worked for EDS, Perot Systems, Auditforce, Accretive Solutions, and Capital One Bank. He was a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Systems System Service Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM), Certified Governance Enterprise Information Technology (CGEIT), and a Qualified Security Assessor (PCI QSA). Most recently, Ricky was working as the Director of Cyber Security for White Orc Systems and decided to retire in 2023 in order to fully enjoy his free time with his family, friends, and church community. He received numerous accolades for his leadership. Ricky married his former wife Pamela Bockhoff Link in March 1983 in Olney, Texas and were together for 34 years raising 3 beautiful women, Julie Ann, Megan, and Emma. Together with Pamela, Ricky supported each daughter with their unique activities including coaching basketball, attending music concerts and competitions, cheering at various sporting events, and coordinating camping adventures. Ricky was always so proud to share about their accomplishments. In retirement, Ricky was a dedicated and active member of the Covenant Church, where he found great joy volunteering as a respected Deacon, usher, and greeter, and leader of the Salt and Light Ministry. He also participated in weekly Bible study with his Life Group. He was known as an early riser and often opened up the church for Sunday services, participated with the set up and tear down stage crew, as well as mowed the church premises on a regular basis. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding his actions and interactions with those around him. His hobbies reflected his charisma and love for community, including participating in his annual neighborhood derby car construction and races, winning the 2024 Derby Car Best Design Award. He was always working around his new home. He cut wood for his firepit, created wreaths from vines for gifts for friends, and was very proud of his new deck he’d built. He enjoyed and was most grateful for his friends. Whether it was going out to dinner, hosting friends in his home, or watching his favorite sports teams the Dallas Cowboys and the Sam Houston Bearkats football, he welcomed the company and connection. Ricky loved camping in the Huntsville State Park and traveled in his RV around the USA, as well as to Europe and New Zealand. His photography of nature was acknowledged through winning 2nd Place in the Postcard’s Magazine annual Pictures Contest in the Seasons Category with a stunning photograph of sunflowers. In July 2023, Ricky connected with his now fiancé Mary Ann Stripling over their mutual search for a loving Christian partner. They enjoyed traveling together, exploring wineries, and growing together in their relationship with God. In November 2024, Ricky proposed at the Covenant Church Thanksgiving gathering with their nuptials planned for October 2025. Ricky, “The Missing Link”, is survived by a loving family: 3 daughters, Julie Ann Link, age 37, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Megan McHolick, age 34, of Houston, Texas; Emma Link, age 32, of College Station, Texas; grandchildren, Silas McHolick, age 2 and Elaine McHolick, age 2, from Houston, Texas; brother Danny Link, age 69, and sister in law, Kathy Link, of Lake Jackson, Texas; step sister, Terri O’Neal and brother in law Dan O’Neal, of The Woodlands, Texas, and step father Bob Gingerich, of Lake Jacksonville, Texas; fiancé Mary Ann Stripling; cats Thelma and Louise Link; and numerous extended family members and close friends. Ricky was preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Gina Link. A Celebration of Life service and gathering will be held at the North Montgomery County Community Center (600 Gerald Street, Willis, Texas 77378) on Sunday, 30th March 2025 starting at 2:00PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please consider giving to the “3 to 1 Building Project” at https://www.ccwillis.org/3to1 where his church family is hoping to move to in 2025. Ricky’s life was a testament to his faith, love, and the joy he brought to every room. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. While we grieve for Ricky immensely, his faith has now been made sight, and he is joyously linking people together in heaven. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things become new.

Ricky Ray Link

August 14, 1957 - March 2, 2025