Paul Ricky Hastings

August 31, 1958 - January 20, 2021

On the 31st of August in 1958, Katie Hastings would give birth to her one and only son: Paul Ricky Hastings. As the eldest brother to his two sisters, Jackie Williams and Roberta Robertson, Ricky was raised in Los Angeles, California by his single-mother, his grandparents, and his adoring uncles who took on the responsibility of father. In his youth, Ricky attended St. Bridget’s Catholic School, Paul Revere Middle School, & Palisades High School where he would develop his love for sports. In the summer of 1975, Ricky went to visit his aunt, uncle, and cousins in Hardin, Texas and never looked back. With approval from his mother, Ricky moved in with the Davis Family who became a second family to him. Along with his new siblings, Calvin, Carolyn, and Floyd Jr., Ricky was loved and nurtured by Floyd Sr. and Elogia Davis as if he were one of their own. Continuing his education in Texas, Ricky graduated from Hardin High School where he lettered in football & track and would later be recruited to Sam Houston State University to play wide receiver for the Bearkats. After proudly wearing the #17 jersey for four years, Ricky graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in education in 1982. Ricky began his teaching career at Windham School System where he teached & coached offenders inside the prison for over 30 years. After teaching with the Huntsville Independent School District at Montgomery High School, Ricky would retire only to work part-time at Gulf Coast Trade Center. With all of his accomplishments, nothing in this world could replace the joy that Ricky felt on October 14, 1985, when his one and only son was born: Brandon Hastings. The love that he had for Brandon was incomparable. He did an impeccable job at raising Brandon to be a strong educated black man. While other young men knew Ricky as a teacher, mentor, or as “Coach Hastings,” Brandon will always remember him best as “my Dad.” Paul Ricky Hastings was a deeply spiritual man who was always eager to share Bible scriptures with anyone & everyone at any given time. With his unwavering faith in God & love for education, you would usually find Ricky engaged in a debate with a sometimes less enthusiastic party. He believed that it was his calling to provide leadership and guidance to young men and women in the areas of education, athletics, teamwork, life goals, and skill development. Despite the shock of his departure, family and friends take comfort in knowing that he was able to positively impact youth and incarcerated individuals until his death. Paul Ricky Hastings is survived by his loving and adoring wife, Inez Hastings, and his only son, Brandon Hastings. He is survived by his mother Katie Hastings, and his two sisters, Jackie Williams (Byron) and Roberta Robertson (Kenneth Sr.) and their children: Kenneth Robertson Jr., Cameron Robertson, Byron Williams, and Mariah Williams. He is survived by his father figure, Floyd Davis (Elogia) and a host of his cousins, whom he loved and cherished as siblings: Calvin Davis (Cathy), Caroline Oliphant (Ricky), Floyd Davis Jr. aka “Man” (Rose-Jean), and his cousin/twin Donald Paul aka “Mano” (Jean). He also leaves behind numerous other family members in the St. Julian and Paul families, and a host of friends he maintained throughout his life. For 62 years of his life, Paul Ricky Hastings was a kind, god-fearing man, a caring father, an affectionate husband, and a loving son. He was also a loving brother, cousin, nephew, and uncle, and a respected teacher, mentor, friend, and will be remembered as such by the lives and hearts that he touched. So when you reflect on your last conversation with Ricky, whether it was years, weeks, or the day before his passing, remember his last words before ending every conversation: “I love you.” A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Friday, February 26, 2021 in the chapel of Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, Huntsville, TX. Memorial condolences may be made to the family at www.shmfh.com