Mr. Rickie Denard Counts, 49, passed away on Friday, October 1, 2021, at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist High Point Medical Center. Rickie, known to some as “Slick” or “Rickie Dee” was born on February 4, 1972, in Winston-Salem, NC to Della Counts and the late Dewallo Counts. Rickie attended Glenn High School and from there, he went to pursue his degree at Guilford Technical Community College as a culinary executive chef. He was affiliated with working at The Chop House and Pepsi, where he was well known as the mastered grill chef. Rickie and Latisha Counts were the owners and founders of Quality Counts Catering Company. He enjoyed cooking, serving his community as well as the triad, and spending time with his family. Rickie also enjoyed sharing Dependable Lawn Service with his Uncle Roger, whom he looked up to as his dad.

On January 4, 2014, Rickie united in matrimony to the former Latisha Gyant, aka his “Mama Bear” whom he loved so much and cherished as a queen. They brought to this union five children: LeYana Gregg (Yan Yan), Teriana Edwards (Shay aka Tugaboo), Rickei Counts, Jordyn Lilley, and their princess whom he adored and lived through, Jayla Counts, and the rotten fur baby Paris Counts.

Rickie was full of joy and laughter. He always had a smile on his face and loved to crack jokes, even when he was in pain. He was a wonderful man who touched many lives. He will also leave behind his favorite phrase, “I’m sick of this mess!”

The remembrance of shared moments brings comfort and peace to surviving relatives: his beloved wife, Latisha G. Counts; children, LeYana Gregg, Teriana Edwards, and Rickei Counts of Winston-Salem, NC, Jordyn Lilley of San Francisco, CA, and Jayla Counts of High Point, NC; six grandchildren, Lyriq King, Nehemiah Gilliam, Lai’Miah Gilliam, Je’Viyan Gilliam, Miyannah Gilliam, and LaMont Joe, all of Winston-Salem, NC; his mother, Della Counts of Winston-Salem, NC; a brother, Vernon VJ Hall of Detroit, MI; his mother-in-law whom he adored, Tonita Foxx of High Point, NC; his father-in-law, Keith McLendon of High Point, NC; mother-in-law, Daphne Vanderhall of High Point, NC; a brother-in-law, Ryan McKiver of High Point, NC; a sister-in-law, Jasmine McLendon of High Point, NC; a special aunt who was like a second mom, Shirley Hall of Detroit, MI; a special uncle, Roger Davis of Winston-Salem, NC; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, neighbors, and friends that meant the world to him.

Funeral service will be held Friday, October 8, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. The family will receive friends at the chapel from 2:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.