Rickey Lee Pilkington

      Rickey Lee Pilkington, 74, of Sherwood passed away September 27, 2025. He was the son of the late Jerry L. Pilkington and the late Zelda Mae Ramsey Pilkington. Rickey was born September 21, 1951 in Heber Springs, AR. He graduated from Heber Springs High School where he played football as the quarterback. He then went on to graduate from Arkansas Tech where he played football for the Wonder Boys. His team was inducted into the Arkansas Tech Athletic Hall of Fame in September of 2022.

      Rickey served for 6 years in the Army National Guard and retired from the State of Arkansas after 35 years as an economic developer. He enjoyed golfing, hunting & fishing. Most of all he loved golfing with many great friends.

      Survivors include his wife of nearly 29 years, Nita Pilkington; stepson Chuck Brown, grandchildren Madeline Brown & Tyler Brown ( Chelsea), great grandchildren Natalie & Montana, a sister Janice Pilkington, Niece Emily Boeving, his Uncle Keith Pilkington (Anna) and many cousins and wonderful friends.

      Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 4:00 PM, Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the NLR Elks Scholarship Fund or Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114. 501-758-1170.