Ricky Eugene Shook

Ricky E. Shook, 79, of Suwanee, Georgia, passed away on September 21, 2026, World Alzheimer's Day, a poignant date for a man who had lived with Alzheimer's dementia since his diagnosis in 2017.

Ricky was born September 17, 1947, in Zanesfield, Ohio, son of the late Bernard Shook and Beatrice Dempsey, and stepson of the late Hobert Dempsey. He was one of four siblings, survived by his brother James Shook and sister Marilynn Ford, and preceded in death by his sister Vickie Palmer.

Ricky proudly served 20 years in the military, four years in the U.S. Air Force and 16 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) and Navy pilot. He graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in Grove City, Ohio, went on to Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, and later earned his master's degree in oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Ricky was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Elizabeth Shook. He is survived by his children, Jennifer Shook, Benjamin Shook, Andy Shook, and Amy Shook Canini, and his seven grandchildren, Alexander Talbott, Nicolas Shook, Lucas Shook, Kayla Canini, Johnathan Shook, Isabella Canini, and Miles Canini.

Ricky will be deeply missed as a father, a papa, and a friend. A celebration of life will be held in December 2026 in Amelia Island, Florida, for private family and close friends. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to Capstone Hospice's Fragile First Foundation, LLC.