James Richard Cleveland was born on July 13, 1962 in Margaret Hague Hospital in Jersey City, NJ, a son of James Cleveland and Marjorie B. Cleveland. He was affectionately known as "Ricky" to family, "Big Rick" to friends, and "Bug" to classmates.

In his early years he attended Sumpter Chapel United Methodist Church.

Ricky attended public school in Bayonne, NJ, until his family relocated to South Carolina where he began 5th grade at St. Stephen Elementary School. He progressed through to graduate from St. Stephen High School, class of 1980. He attended DeVry Institute in Atlanta GA for a year, then he joined the United States Air Force.

Ricky served in the Air Force from 1981-1991. He served his country in the Gulf War and obtained the rank of Sergeant as a Fuel Specialist. During his time in the Air Force, he was honored with notable achievements such as: AF Achievement Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award with 2BOLC, AF Good Conduct Medal with 2BOLC, AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 1BOLC, AF Training Ribbon, and National Defense Service Medal.

After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he was employed with the SC Department of Transportation and with Berkeley County Government as a security guard.

During football seasons, you would find Ricky cheering on his Dallas Cowboys, as he was always a die-hard fan. In his spare time he also loved to read western novels, watch western TV shows and visit family and friends. Ricky enjoyed spending time with all 15 of his nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He enjoyed keeping in contact and sharing memories with his classmates and community friends. Ricky was a member of the Forty-One Brotherhood.

Ricky departed this life on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.

Ricky was preceded in death by: his grandmother, Oralee S. McClennon; grandfathers, Richard McClennon and Arthur Cleveland; his father, James "Jimmy" Cleveland; and his brothers, Bernard R. Cleveland and Jeremy R. Cleveland.

Ricky leaves to cherish his memories: his mother, Majorie B. Cleveland; sisters, Diane (Jerome) Golden of Roselle, NJ, Juanita Cleveland and Brenda E. Cleveland of St. Stephen, SC; his brother, Charles R. Cleveland of Fountain, CO; his uncle and aunt, Charles (Emma) Williams of Moncks Corner, SC; his aunt, Caroline Cleveland of Moncks Corner, SC; his granduncle, Rev. Melvin McClennon; his Godmother, Carol Williams of St. Stephen SC; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.

Viewing will be held Friday, January 8, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Gethers St. Stephen Chapel. A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, January 9, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at Sumpter Chapel Cemetery, 1083 Highway 35, St. Stephen, SC, with viewing from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. The service will be live-streamed on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/gethersfh

As per CDC guidelines for COVID-19, please wear a face mask and practice social distancing at both the viewing and the service.