Ricky McElreath

Richard "Ricky" Alvin McElreath, 66, of Asheboro, passed away on Friday, August 14, 2026, at his home.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, 908 Albemarle Road, Asheboro, with Mike Jones officiating.

Ricky was born on January 22, 1960, in Randolph County, the son of the late Alvin Buddy McElreath and Annie Ruth Inman McElreath. If you knew Ricky, you knew he was a major tennis enthusiast. Turning his passion into a career, he started here in Asheboro and won across the state before settling back down in his home town. He was devoted into teaching children the joys of tennis and loved watching them excel. Ricky also had a big heart for animals of all kinds, including dogs, cats and even fish. He will be remembered for his contagious laugh and great sense of humor and of course his lasting legacy in the community with tennis.

Ricky is survived by his wife, Lori McElreath; stepdaughters, Stacie Sells (Travis), Brittany Pendry (Matt); brother, Larry McElreath; grandchildren, Hannah, Anderson, Tyler, Grant; dogs, Kya, Wilson, Diamond; and cat, Snowbell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Randolph SPCA, 300 W. Bailey Street, Asheboro, NC 27203; or to Randolph County Animal Shelter, 1370 County Land Rd., Randleman, NC 27317.