Funeral services for Ricky Wayne Bennefield, II, will be 12 p.m. Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow the service at Hopewell Cemetery with military honors. Pastor Fred Rivers will officiate services. The family will welcome friends for visitation at Hanceville Funeral Home on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Ricky, a devoted veteran, beloved family man, and friend to many was born on August 17, 1978, in Cullman, AL and passed away at his home in Hanceville on July 29, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and faith. Born with a joyful spirit and a heart full of kindness, Ricky proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 2000 to 2004, a chapter of his life that reflected his deep sense of duty and honor.
An avid hunter and a steadfast believer in Jesus Christ, Ricky lived each day with intention and purpose. He loved his family with a fierce, unshakeable devotion—he was the best son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and friend anyone could ever ask for. His love was genuine and consistent, felt in every gesture, every embrace, and every word of encouragement.
He had a gift for making people laugh and feel at ease. He was the kind of man who judged character by the strength of a handshake and met the world with gentleness and peace. His humor was magnetic, his presence grounding. He could brighten a room with his smile and warm it with a good story or a plate of his home-cooked food—because Ricky was also a really good cook.
Known as the “second-best welder in the world” (because, as he’d say with a grin, “the first is a robot”), Ricky took pride in his work and craftsmanship. He was creative, skillful, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He had a deep love for Christmas—always starting the day playing video games—and was never far from a sweet treat, especially his all-time favorite, butter pecan ice cream. Fireworks delighted him, and babies adored him as much as he adored them.
Ricky lived with a quiet strength and a tender soul. He was full of life, laughter, and love. His memory will live on in every shared family meal, every echo of laughter during the holidays, and every sweet bite of ice cream. He was, without question, one of a kind—and he will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him.
Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Shavon Bennefield; children, Tyler (Brooke) Bennefield and Nadia (Grant) Bennefield-Wilson; siblings, Jack (Kaya Fraser) Bennefield, Cody Bennefield, Kyle Bennefield, April (Rodney) Gillilan, Julie (Seth) Heatherly, Sabrina Litteral, Chris Litteral, Sara (David) Williams, Moriah Litteral, Brandon (Amanda) Givens and Crystal (Bri) Lankford; parents, Ricky Wayne Bennefield I, Karen Bennefield and Karen Barfoot; grandmother, Virginia Franklin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Mr. Bennefield was preceded in death by his grandparents, William C. & Marie Bennefield and Jack Barfoot.
Hanceville Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bennefield Family.
