Pastor Ricky Floyd, a beloved figure in the Memphis community and leader of the Pursuit of God Church, tragically lost his life in a shooting incident early Wednesday morning. He was 58 years old. Known for his dedication to community service and empowerment, Floyd’s sudden death has left many in shock and mourning.
According to the Memphis Police Department, officers responded to a call at 1:17 a.m. regarding an altercation outside Momma’s Bar and Kitchen, located at 855 Kentucky Road. Upon arrival, they found Floyd unresponsive and later identified the caller as 42-year-old Samantha Marion, who has been charged with voluntary manslaughter.
Witnesses reported that an argument between Floyd and Marion escalated inside the bar, ultimately leading them outside. Police records indicate that Floyd became aggressive during the confrontation. Surveillance footage appears to show Floyd throwing items at Marion before he attempted to leave the scene in his vehicle. The situation escalated further when Marion allegedly walked into the street to record Floyd’s departure. After exiting his car to confront her, Floyd was seen falling to the ground, where he remained unresponsive.
Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis expressed her condolences, stating, “It is with great sadness that I address the tragic loss of Pastor Ricky Floyd. He was a respected leader in our community, both in Memphis and beyond.” The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is ongoing, but authorities believe they have sufficient evidence to proceed with charges against Marion.
Floyd leaves behind his wife, Sheila, three adult children, and two granddaughters. He was deeply involved in various community initiatives, including serving as president of Eden Estates Apartments and founding The Husband Institute, which focuses on mentoring young men. His media liaison, Telisa Franklin, emphasized his commitment to serving others, particularly in the economically challenged Frayser community. “He created what we call Black Street Wall Street, making sure people had access to affordable housing,” she said.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young lamented the loss of Floyd, calling it “senseless violence.” In a heartfelt statement, he urged the community to come together to combat gun violence, emphasizing that Floyd’s legacy of service and mentorship should inspire action. “Let’s work together to build a Memphis where tragedies like this are no longer a daily reality,” he said.
The outpouring of grief from the community reflects the significant impact Pastor Floyd had on countless lives. His commitment to uplifting others and fostering a sense of community will be remembered as a vital part of his legacy. As friends, family, and congregation members cope with this profound loss, many are left to ponder the need for change in addressing the root causes of violence in society.
In this difficult time, we encourage everyone to pray for Pastor Floyd’s family and the many lives he touched. His light shone brightly in the Memphis community, and his contributions will not be forgotten. For those seeking to honor his memory, consider supporting local community initiatives that reflect his values of service and empowerment. Together, we can work towards a future that embodies the love and compassion he exemplified throughout his life.