Rickie Eugene Kornegay

Rickie Eugene Kornegay, a free spirit with a heart full of adventure, passed away on August 5, 2024, at the age of 66. Born on June 9, 1958, in Goldsboro, NC, Rickie spent his life traveling the country, making friends, and leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met. Though he called North Carolina home for most of his life, he also spent many years in the DMV area, and his true home was on the open road.

A Celebration of Rickie’s Life will be held on August 17, 2024, from 1-5 PM at 121 E H St, Erwin, NC 28339. His family invites all who knew him to come share stories, laugh, and remember the man who lived life on his own terms.

Rickie was a man of many talents and passions. After high school, he honed his skills as a welder before taking to the highways as a cross-country truck driver, a job that fueled his love for travel. He journeyed to 49 states, always seeking out new experiences, with a particular love for the Grand Canyon and the wide-open spaces of the American West.

But Rickie was more than just a traveler. He was an artist, painting the landscapes he loved so much, and a musician, playing guitar in a family band with his brothers called Yagenrok. He loved food, history documentaries (especially those by Ken Burns), and military history. Rickie had a big heart, always there for his family, whether it was supporting his mother during her battle with Alzheimer’s or being a steady presence when his brother passed away. His spontaneity, strong opinions, and deep kindness made him an unforgettable uncle, brother, and friend.

Rickie is survived by his son, Robert Lee Kornegay of Prosser, WA; his brother, Mark Kornegay (wife, LaVonda) of Willow Springs, NC; his niece, Sherrie Kornegay of Raleigh, NC; his nephews, Eric Kunkler (partner, Kelsey) of Fayetteville, NC, and Timothy Howell (husband, Joshua) of Raleigh, NC; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eldon Lee Kornegay Sr. and Ann Mercer Kornegay; his brother, Eldon Lee Kornegay Jr.; and his older brother, Ronnie Lee Kornegay, who passed away in infancy.

Rickie’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported him throughout his life.