Charles Richard McCandless Jr., 44, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2021 from complications related to advanced colon cancer. Ricky, as he is affectionately known by his family, was born on June 3, 1976 in Houma, Louisiana to Charles Richard McCandless and Diane Orr McCandless. Ricky is survived by his parents, and his three brothers and sisters-in-law, David and LeAnne Sumrall, Andy and Stephanie McCandless, and Matt and Doris McCandless. He will be missed by his niece, Emmy McCandless, and his nephews, Charlie McCandless and David Sumrall. He also leaves behind numerous loving aunts, uncles, and cousins from the extended family. He will be greatly missed by all.

Ricky graduated from Terrebonne High School in 1994 and later graduated Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with a degree in architecture. While at LSU, Ricky developed lasting relationships with fellow students and fond memories of fun times both on and off campus.

Marriage came in 2004, to Ms. Stephanie Skinner. They moved to Savannah, GA in 2006, then to New York City in 2010. Stephanie and Ricky later divorced but remained close friends.

Brooklyn fit Ricky's style and personality as well as any city; diverse, cultured, bold, and quirky. Ricky enjoyed all things Broadway and long walks on Staten Island and other parts of the city. Always with an eye for the absurd, Ricky captured interesting images all over New York. His eye for design was keen and he found beauty in things most people seldom notice.

Rick or Charles, as he was known by his associates, had a passion for architecture and worked diligently to secure his NY architect license in 2019. He also held a NY real estate license. While aspiring to advance his career in architecture, he worked for an upscale kitchen remodeling company as a technical designer. Ricky's coworkers adored him and raved about the quality of production and exceptional detail of his work. His colleagues most appreciated Ricky's kindness and wonderful sense of humor.

Ricky never met a stranger and collected a variety of friends from all walks of life. He was easy with a smile and a laugh, even though he would pretend to be a grump. He was known to be the "best pig-out buddy ever" and he was masterful in the kitchen, especially with gumbo. He was always ready for an impromptu adventure or celebration. His close friends knew him as the sweetest, most attentive cat-dad and puppy-lover, and the kindest soul a friend could have. He was a best friend to many, and his heart was loyal and warm. You could count on Ricky for emotional support and he was always there to lend a hand.

Ricky's interests and talents included being an AOL chat room aficionado, John Waters fanatic, best furniture re-arranger, and an exceptional light rigger.  He was the giver of seemingly random at first but then deeply and astoundingly sentimental gifts, the kind that let you know he truly saw you and loved you. He could make you laugh just by shifting his glance.

Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Burton Funeral Home in Indianola. Rev. Guy Burke will officiate. The service will be available via livestream on the Burton Funeral Home Facebook page.  Guests may sign the online guestbook at www.burtonfuneralhome.net .  Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at http://giftfunds.stjude.org/Charles_Richard_McCandless_Jr .

Life was much too short for someone as kind, generous, and thoughtful as Ricky. He had a knack for seeing beauty and design in all things, and he would want those that knew him to see his life as, in a very odd way, designed perfectly beautiful for him.