William Richard "Rick" Cummings
October 31, 1949 ~ December 20, 2020
Born in:
Asheville, NC
Resided in:
Arden, NC
William Richard “Rick” Cummings, 71, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, December 20, 2020, after an extended illness.
Rick was born October 31, 1949, in Asheville to the late Linton and Vera Metcalf Cummings. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brother Eddie Cummings and sister Polly McMahan.
He was a graduate of Lee Edwards High School and served with the US Army in Vietnam.
Following his discharge he worked for several funeral homes in Asheville before joining the Asheville Police Department. He also worked at the Buncombe County Sheriff’s office as an active reserve Deputy for over 20 years. More recently he owned and operated Cummings Service Center on Southside Avenue.
He was an active member of Trinity Baptist Church as well as being part of the staff of Ralph Sexton Ministries.
His family includes his wife, Helen Jolly Cummings; three sons, Army Major Todd Cummings, Buncombe County Sheriff Dept. Cpl. Will Cummings (Stella), and Mark Cummings, and also Sarah Rice and his three nieces Kim Brown, Penny Rittenhouse, and Tammy Singletary whom he loved as daughters and his brother-in law Dick McMahan.
Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon Wednesday at Trinity Baptist Church with the Revs. Dr. Ralph Sexton and Allen Rash officiating. Military honors will be provided by the NC National Guard Memorial Team. Private interment will be at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
The family is forever grateful to the dedicated staff at Autumn Care Nursing home in Marion, NC for the excellent care they gave Rick in his last months.
Rick will lie in repose from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue. Face masks and social distancing will be required at the church and at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ralph Sexton Ministries, PO Box 6465, Asheville, NC 28816.
Services
Funeral Service: December 23, 2020 12:00 pm
Trinity Baptist Church of Asheville
216 Shelburne Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)254-2187
For those who wish to pay their respects: December 22, 2020 10:00 am - May 4, 2025 5:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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Our Love and Prayers to all of Rick’s Family. Jimmy and Becky Templeton
I’m so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. He was a true friend. My heart goes out to his family. I’ll see you again Brother.
God’s peace to the family and all who loved and will miss Rick.
I worked with Rick at APD and he was a great person and a fine officer he will be missed.My prayers are with the family
My prayers are with the family.Have known Ricky since grade school♥️
Rest in peace my friend.
Always enjoyed working with you at APD and BCSO.
Our prayers to family and friends of Rick.
So saddened to hear of Ricks passing . I always enjoyed working with him at APD and BCSO and seeing him at Church .
My prayers go out to the family and friends .
May God comfort you during these difficult times.
I will see you again one day , my Brother .
Sad to hear of Rick’s passings…he beat me to the house
We met “Ricky”, as we fondly remember him”, on Sawyer St one cold night in 2004. He was sitting in his squad car in our dedicated spot at the Aston Condos, patiently waiting to catch those who had been breaking into his adjacent towing lot. He was in uniform. I realized he was law enforcement so carefully approached the window and, with a fake attitude, said to him “Hey buddy, what are you doing using my parking space?”. He immediately got the joke and responded in kind. We all (my wife included) had a good laugh….and we invited him inside to our condo where we became good friends for years. He would often stop by…or we would patronize his service station. Lost touch after he left the sheriff’s department. So sorry to hear of his passing. He was a smiling presence to us as relative newcomers to town and always treated us with cordiality and warmth! We will miss him.
Rhea Cravens and Steve Levenberg
Going to miss you sweetheart. Coming to Asheville will not be the same! Always looked for you coming up Aunt June’s driveway in Lower Grassy Branch. Give my love to Aunt Vera and Uncle Lit, Polly and Eddie. You are all missed beyond words. To Helen and the boys ……. will keep you in our prayers as you grieve your loss. Love you bunches!!! Judy Haddock, Shirley Mason and Jerry Boone / Virginia cousin
I am so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. He was such a good man. I know he will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.
I worked with Rick many years ago at APD and he was a pleasure to work with. I was sorry to learn of his loss. My condolences to the family.
Our thoughts and players are with you during this difficult time. Thanks for the friendship through the years.
Rick and I grew up together in West Asheville. Back in 73 (or thereabouts) we took the railroad employment exam together. Neither of us went in that direction. Rick was a good man with a big heart, he will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are extended to his family. R.I.P. Rick, I’ll see you on the other side.