Born to two absent/uninterested parents, Rick found himself on his own at the age of 14. After hitchhiking from Stephenville to Odessa, he was invited to church where he heard the Gospel and received Jesus as his Savior. The trajectory of his life, as well as his eternity, was radically changed. It wasn't long until he surrendered his life to become a minister of the Gospel. He met Sharon Barlow in church, and they married on July 19, 1957. They had three children: Amy (who passed away in 1979), Phil and Paul.
Rick proudly served his country in the U.S. Army at Camp Hanford in Washington, where he served as a Senior Radar Operator, reaching the rank of E-5, in the 83rd Artillery Missile Battalion.
Rick's pastoral ministry included starting the Bay City Baptist Church in Bay City, Texas; Pastoring the Southwest Baptist Church in Huntsville, Alabama; and Pastoring the Lamar Baptist Church/Family Fellowship in Greenville, Texas, where he served as Pastor for 30 years, retiring in 2004. After retiring as a Pastor, he served as a special assistant to the President of Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri for 4 years.
Rick and Sharon moved back to Greenville permanently in the Spring of 2017 and immersed themselves back into their home church (Family Fellowship) and taught an Adult Bible Class.
Rick is survived by his wife Sharon; his sons Phil and his wife Cinda, and Paul and his wife Lynn; along with 7 grandchildren (Lacy Almedia and husband Frank; Rae Elliott and husband Brian, Samantha Magee and husband Jordan, Rikki Blue and fiancé John Allison, Brooke Blue, Parker Blue and wife Abigail, & Alyssa Blue); 6 great-grandchildren (Bill & Judd Almeida, Maddie Elliott, Redmond and Bo Magee, and Laynie Blue); and an entire church family that will forever remember him for being a man of God and a man of God's Word.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, February 12th, at Family Fellowship Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Missions program at Family Fellowship, making it possible for people throughout the world to know the Jesus that changed Rick's life.
Condolences(7)
Connie Kelso and Family
Robinson, TX Sunday, February 22, 2026 Dear Sharon and family , We were sad to hear of Rick’s passing. I was thinking of you both this week because Bay City Baptist is celebrating its 60 anniversary in June and I’m to write up the history. I will be praying for you all as you all go through this sad time. Love to you Connie Kelso and familySusan Zachary
Greenville, TX Thursday, February 12, 2026 Such a great man! You will be missed immensely by so many. You touched so many lives in such a positive way. Thank you for being such a Godly example to us And for caring so deeply for the souls God entrusted you with. You ran a good race and finished strong.Ernie and Buffy Goodban
Greenville, TX Saturday, February 7, 2026 Preacher will forever be remembered by us as a kind, respectful and caring man of God, who took the time not to just say hello to us in between services, but rather to really see how we were doing. He put our needs and concerns ahead of his own, and his demeanor was one of kindness, Godly love, and in the interest of the needs of others.While we grieve at his passing from this earth, we hope all can find peace and comfort knowing that Preacher is now praising the God Almighty whom he dedicated his life towards serving. We will miss you until we see you again in Heaven with our Savior.❤️❤️❤️
Sherry (McCoy) Geschwindner
Forney, TX Saturday, February 7, 2026 My sincere condolences to the Blue Family and congregation. God will take care of you all.Pam Qualls
Greenville, TX Saturday, February 7, 2026 His honesty about his life, his love for family, his love for God, and his wisdomand Biblical knowledge have been an inspiration to me. He will certainly be missed but I know heaven celebrates his homecoming.Debra Donohue
Greenville, TX Saturday, February 7, 2026 I know you are celebrating with the Lord and your daughter. But your passing has left a hole in my heart ( and i’m sure many others). You will definitely be missed but I guarantee will NEVER be forgotten.Fly high 🕊️
James Milaiskis
Greenville, TX Saturday, February 7, 2026 Thank you for being my mentor in the walk in life.I love you so much. I have some good memories with you back in the day..