Ricardo Gordon Wilborn
October 26, 1957 ~ May 21, 2016
Born in:
Frankfurt, Germany
Resided in:
Stone Mountain, GA
Ricardo G. Wilborn, 58, of Stone Mountain, Georgia was taken into the arms of God and reunited with his father Rochel on Saturday, May 21, 2016.
Rico is survived by his wife of 22 years, Helen McCarthy Wilborn; three children, Zachary, Hannah and Olivia; mother, Erna Wilborn; brother Marcel (Helga) Wilborn; sisters Colleen (Dennis) Morgan and Angela Wilborn; niece; Katharina Morgan; nephews; Neal (Molly) Morgan and Kyle Wilborn; great nieces; Lylah, Emma and Emily along with many extended family and friends.
Rico deeply affected the lives of those that he met. He demonstrated his love of his family and friends with kindness, caring and generosity. Friends and loved ones will remember him as an avid University of Georgia graduate, class of ’80 (Go Dawgs). Rico was also a High School Football Official with the Multi County Football Officials Association. He enjoyed being back on the football field, this time as an official. Rico was a member of the United States Military and served with distinction in the Army. He also worked for the State of Georgia for over 30 years. Rico’s sudden death was a result of complications from knee replacement surgery. A Memorial Service will be held at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 5801 Hugh Howell Rd., Stone Mountain, Georgia 30087 on Friday, May 27, 2016.
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So sad to lose a co-worker who made a positive difference in so many lives. Prayers for Rico’s family.
Deepest sympathy to Rico’s family. It was an honor and privilege to know and work with him. His professionalism and competence made a valuable contribution to the lives of Georgia’s most vulnerable citizens, the community, and to his colleagues in service.
So sorry for his family and friends. I worked closely with him for several years and admired him for his knowledge, compassion and dedication to the work. He was such a gentleman always. Rest in peace friend.
Sorry to hear of your lose. I attended Walker HS with him and back then to me he was a gentle giant and always will be, My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, may GOD be with you in you time of bereavement. Rest in peace Rico.
My deepest sympathies to Rico’s family. He was a very kind person. You are in my Prayers.
I worked with Rico in Fultpn DFACS.
He was so easy to work with and s
really kind man. I know he will be missed.
Our sympathies to the Wilborn family. Rico was a terrific co-worker to both my wife and I. He always had a smile on his face that would brighten your day. Rico will be terribly missed.
Rico was a beautiful person. He was kind, gentle, and very nice. He trained me to work for the State of Georgia, and I am very sad to see such a wonderful person leave this earth. God Bless the family of Rico. I pray that God’s love consumes, covers, and protects you during this time of lost.
Sympathies to the Wilborn family.
I am so grateful for my friendship I had with Rico. He had the largest impact on my career. He encouraged me, taught me, coached me, took time to help with everyday life lessons, and most importantly friended me.
When I think about Rico I think of a genuine friend, a committed employee, and most importantly a man that loved his family.
Rico made the world a better place and will be missed by many.
In my short time knowing Rico, he was always a ray of sunshine. I will always remember the smile he wore, the light that shined bright from his eyes when he spoke about his family and the enthusiasm in his voice when he recommended the sites that I must see on my first trip to the DMV area. I took head to his advice to commit to visiting three sites and if I visited more then it would be a bonus or great treat. When I visit again, then I could visit three more sites and repeat the cycle. It was the best advice because I did not feel rushed and I was able to thoroughly enjoy my first experience in the DMV area. When I adventure to California, I will be sure to visit the areas he recommended. I considered Rico to be a friend as well. I know he will be missed by many. My prayers of comfort and strength are with his family, friends and to all those who knew Rico.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wilborn family and friends. Rico wil be missed by all who knew him.
In my time knowing Rico the deep love of his family was apparent. Our conversations focused on family and UGA. He will be remembered by all who knew him as a loving, compassionate and caring person. Rest in peace my friend, you will be missed.
I was so saddened to hear about Rico. He was a mentor to me for so many years. He was well known and greatly respected at Dfcs. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
One word comes to mind when I think of Rico and that is Awesome with a capital A! Rico was an Awesome person. I will miss his good career advice, his stories about his family and his time in the military and of course…his jokes. DFCS will not be the same without him. Prayers and my condolences to his family.
Blessings to the Wilborn family during this time of sudden change and life changing trials. He is in God’s hands.
My deepest sympathies go out to Rico’s family. I knew him thru work for many years and he was a wonderful person. Always had a smile on his face and a friendly word. He will truly be missed.
I have worked with Rico since 1986 and always held him in high regard as both a co-worker and friend. My deepest sympathy is with his family and loved ones in their loss of such a good man. May it bring some comfort to know he will be fondly remembered.
Ms. Helen, I was saddened to hear about your loss; my prayers are with you and your loved ones. I pray that you find comfort in knowing that he’s in God’s hand now.
I worked under Rico’s leadership when I first became a State Employee 15 & 1/2 years ago. He always showed kindness and patience and was always there to assist us in any way necessary. He was well respected and loved by his DFCS family and his presence will be truly missed.
Deepest sympathy and prayer for his entire family
My prayers and deepest sympathy for his family in the loss of Rico, a kind and considerate administrator during his employment at Gwinnett County DFCS. May God’s Peace and Comfort be with You.
I work for Change Healthcare, formally Chamberlin Edmonds and worked with Rico for a number of years at Gwinnett DFCS. Most recently I had a long conversation with him at the Medicaid Fair earlier this month. Rico was always knowledgeable, kind, and truly committed to community advocacy for the under-served. May God comfort and strengthen his family during this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy to Rico’s family, namely, his wife and 3 children. Rico will always be remembered as a caring, kind and humorous man who was always available anytime you needed him. We would talk tirelessly about the Georgia Bulldogs as I am an avid fan as well. I have worked with and for Rico for the past 10 years and have always had a great appreciation for him as a person. Every time I watch a UGA game, I will think of you. Rest well. Job well done.
I was so surprised and saddened to hear of your passing. You were always the bright spot whenever we had to go to training and you were a part of it. I could always count on whenever I had questions that I didn’t have the answers to. You were a great person to have in my corner. I will truly miss you. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Rico was a kind, thoughtful and helpful person who exuded a gentle spirit among his co-workers. He was a leader who will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family that they will be comforted during this time of grief.
My God comfort Rico’s family. I worked with Rico in DeKalb and Gwinnett with pleasure.
My deepest sympathy to Rico’s family, I work with Rico in Dekalb. I was so surprised and saddened to hear of his passing.My prayers goes out to his family.
Our lives are richer because of what Rico shared with each of us may God continue to comfort the family.
Rico started in DFCS a year after me. We bonded immediately. His humor made a tough, stressful job much easier to bear. Earlier on we boated, played softball and basketball and we were on the same bowling team for several years. In later years, no matter the time spent apart, we would start laughing again as though we were just together the day before. To know him was to love him. His was a good spirit. My best wishes to Helen, the kids and Colleen and Angie.
My prayers and condolences go out to the family and love one’s of Rico .
With deepest sympathy,
Rhonda Tolbert
I worked for Douglas Co. DFCS ABD Dept. for 8 years and Rico used to come and read our records. He also gave us ABD training. I learned so much from Rico, especially about processing AMN. I will always remember Rico for his Polo shirts. I now work for Change Healthcare and I still called Rico when I had a question. Rico was a good man who loved his family. He always told us what his kids were doing. My prayers are with his family. Heaven received an Angel! RIP Rico
My deepest sympathy to Rico’s family. I first worked with him in Gwinnett county, and continued to see him at meetings and when he became a Program Specialist. I was thrilled when he came to the Medicaid Policy Unit a few months ago. His wealth of knowledge, easygoing demeanor and sense of humor will be sorely missed. Rest in peace my friend.
My sincere condolences are with the family. Rico, was a giant of a man not only in stature, but in heart. He will be missed in the State of Georgia family. I was blessed to have known this gentle man who not only was wise, but kind in spirit…Praying for the family during this time.
Rico and I became instant friends when he met and married Helen. A warm and kind friend I was always glad to visit or talk with. Willing to help with anything. He will be missed by many. Love to all his family and friends at this sad time. May your memories be happy and many.
It was a pleasure to have met such a warm and positive spirit. Your smile said it all!
My thoughts and prayers are with Rico’s family during this difficult time. When I first came to the curriculum development team, he was so welcoming and helpful. I learned so much from him. I loved how he was always smiling and kept everyone laughing with his jokes. If you knew him, it was clear he loved his family very much and those UGA Bulldogs! Rico was a wonderful person and will be truly missed. Take comfort in knowing he is resting in a better place now.
My thoughts and prayers are with Rico’s family. Take comfort in knowing that he is in God’s hands. Be blessed!
Simply put, Rico made a difference!
May the love of God, family and friends comfort you during this difficult time.
My prayers are with the family. My God continue to carry his family in this time of loss. give them the strength and comfort they need. Losing a loved one is one if not the hardest thing a family has to deal with. So sorry for the loss. God bless.
I met Rico only a few months ago, and became his supervisor at that time. He deeply touched my heart with his smile and always positive outlook on life. He will be missed. Many blessings to the family.
My deepest sympathy to the Wilborn family. We will miss him here in Cobb co. “So this is how it feels when the Doves Cry”
Thank you Rico for all you taught us….
Rico was a good friend for many years. I admired him for his wealth of knowledge, his kindness, and his positive spirit. He always had a smile for me each time I saw him. He will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to all who knew and loved him.
My deepest sympathies to the Wilborn family. Rico was a great teacher among us. He had a wink in his eye and a warm smile at every greeting. His patience and knowledge in serving the needy, particularly the elderly was a gift he used so well. He will be missed. May God Bless his family.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Rico for many years in various capacities for DFCS. He will be missed by so many.
I am so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Rico like many of those who have posted, but I do know many of them were always so complimentary of Rico. He was also so friendly and congenial. Again, my deepest sympathy,
I also worked with Rico in a variety of different ways – one as his DFCS trainer as a newbie. But he overcame that ? And went on to do great DFCS work! Additionally, as a great leader, Rico was a member of the professional org called GCWA. He indeed made a difference. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
My prayers are with the family,
God is with you for any and everything you may need.
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. My son Trent has been friends with Hannah for a few years and Rico was a pleasure to know. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do please let us know.
My condolences to the family. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers.
May the piece of God comfort the hearts of the Wilborn family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I was saddened to learn of Rico’s passing. We served together with GCWA. He was a positive force in the association and shared his knowledge and love for human services. Condolences to the family.
My sincere condolences to Rico’s family and friends. Rico and I worked together at DeKalb DFACS. He was a likeable guy and was always on top of the technical aspects of the job.
I was a college friend of Rico’s when we both lived in Reed Hall dorm at UGA. Rico was a star in those days. Everybody liked Rico.
He was a very special guy.
I was privileged to teach Rico and his sister Coleen almost 40 years ago at Walker High School. Although his life was cut too short, he still lives in the hearts of all who knew him. What a legacy!