Ricky Paul Ackley

Ricky Paul Ackley, 70, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, passed away Friday, August 21, 2026. He was born June 15, 1956, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Montie and Lucille Hughes Ackley.

Known affectionately as “Big Rick” and “Pops,” Ricky centered his life around his faith and his family. He enjoyed the outdoors, but some of his favorite time was simply spent with those closest to him, especially his grandchildren and his beloved dog, Gracie. He also appreciated a good football game, though it was not unusual for a long nap to replace the second half.

Ricky spent his entire working career with the family business, Custom Carpet. He took great pride in his work and especially valued the relationships he built with the many loyal customers he served through the years.

His Catholic faith was an important part of his life. Ricky was an active member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, where he volunteered with religious education and particularly enjoyed greeting the children each week. His faith also led him to Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House in Grand Coteau, where he attended more than 50 retreats over the years.

For someone who claimed not to care much for small talk, Ricky had a remarkable way of finding himself in conversation. Those who knew him well considered him the “king of conversation.”

Ricky is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Denise Ackley; his children, Brandon Ackley and wife Louisa, Benjamin Ackley and wife Laci, Kyla Ackley, Breck Ackley and wife Amanda, and Kourtney Hoffpauir and husband Garrett; his 18 grandchildren, Caleb Ackley, Alyssa Ackley, Samantha Ackley, Isaac Ackley, Iris Ackley, Hughes Ackley, Asa Ackley, Nathan Ackley-Girlinghouse, Lucy Guilbeau, Olivia Guilbeau, Jack Dougherty, Blair Ackley, Rhett Ackley, Cameron Ackley, Kourtlyn Hoffpauir, Karsyn Hoffpauir, Colter Hoffpauir, and Gage Hoffpauir; and his siblings, Sandie Chauvin and husband Ronnie, and Keith Ackley and wife Janice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 PM on Monday, August 24, 2026, at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, with Msgr. Jace Eskind serving as Celebrant. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation will be held at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake Street, on Sunday, August 23, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, with a rosary being recited at 6:30 PM. Visitation will resume Monday at 10:30 AM and continue until leaving in procession for the church.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Our Lady of the Oaks Retreats, or the St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church Building Fund.