James Richard "Ricky" Dunford Sr., of Amelia, Virginia, left this earthly life on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. He is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Golda Irene Mottesheard Dunford, and father, Johnny Douglas Dunford, his grandfather, Harding Mottesheard, and beloved grandmother, Willie Grace. He is survived by his four sons: James R. Dunford Jr. of Ford, VA; Russell Wayne Dunford of Meherrin, VA; William Travis Dunford of Amelia, VA; and Trevor Dylan Dunford of Langley, VA, as well as his four grandchildren: Addyson, Carsyn, Cole, and Hilde Dunford; his brothers and sisters, Lori, Johnny, Gloria, Marty, and Kevin, and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Ricky was a funny and complicated man. He had seen his share of troubles and he was marked by them. But what could not be taken away from the man was his independence and determination to live his life on his own terms. Whether it was resilience or pure stubbornness, he survived multiple health challenges in his life, but lymphoma and heart trouble did not keep him down. He was a hard-working man who loved working with his hands, whether building and hanging drywall, working on cars, or strumming on his guitar. While he did not always know how to express it, he was a man of deep love, especially for his mom as well as his sons and their mother. What he leaves behind are funny stories, a love of music, fast cars, a hard work ethic, and a passion for life that lives in the hearts of all who knew him, especially his four sons. Visitation will be Friday, August 8, 2025 5-6 pm at Hillsman-Hix Funeral Home in Amelia Court House, VA with funeral service to follow from 6-8 pm. A private family committal service will be held at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Ivanhoe, Virginia, where Ricky will rest eternally next to his beloved mother.