Ricky Anthony Diaz

Ricky Anthony Diaz, 65, of Fayetteville, North Carolina passed away on July 30, 2026 at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. He was born July 27, 1961 to the late Zacarias Diaz and Arminda Valle in Chicago, Illinois.

In life, Ricky honorably served in the United States Army, retiring as a Signal System Support Specialist. Not only was he dedicated to serving his country, but he served the community as well, spending over 20 years coaching youth recreational sports.

During his service SGT Diaz earned the following awards and decorations: Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Army Achievement Medal (4th Award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 2, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), and Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-W Bar.

SGT Diaz had the following military education: Tactical Wire Operations Specialist course, Primary Leadership course, Tamms course, Small Arms Maintenance for Unit Armorers course, Nuclear Biological Chemical course, Reenlistment course, Tactical Communications Officer and Chief course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer course, and Mobile Subscriber Equipment Transmission Systems Operators.

Ricky is survived by his loving wife, Virginia Reeneded Diaz; sons Rico Diaz and Frank Angel; daughters Rita Diaz and Lurana Angel; brother Roy Diaz; 11 grandchildren; buddy Joe; and a host of extended family members and many dear friends.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Ricky Diaz Jr.

Services will be held on Friday August 28th at 2:00 PM at Sandhills State Veteran Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday August 29th at 12:30 PM at McPherson Presbyterian Church. 

Arrangements for the family are entrusted to LaFayette Funeral Home of Fayetteville, NC. On-line condolences may be made at www.lafayettefh.com