Richard "Rick" Guy Gerling

Richard “Rick” Gerling, affectionately known as “Randy” by his mother and “Rick” to everyone else who knew and loved him, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026, in Hickory, North Carolina, at the age of 55.

Born in Lansing, Michigan, Rick was raised in South Florida, where he developed a lifelong love for the ocean and a deep appreciation for adventure. Whether he was scuba diving beneath the waves, working on cars, or traveling the open highways, Rick embraced life with enthusiasm and a spirit that was impossible to ignore.

Rick proudly served his country as a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger. The discipline, courage, and determination he gained through his military service remained with him throughout his life. He lived with the same fearless spirit that defined his service—always seeking adventure, embracing life’s journey, and facing each day with determination and an open heart.

After his military service, Rick spent many years as a long-haul truck driver, traveling the highways of the United States. He enjoyed seeing new places, meeting new people, and living a life that was never confined to one destination.

Music was another of Rick’s greatest passions. Whether playing the guitar, sitting behind a drum set, or singing with friends, music brought him joy and created lasting memories. One of his closest friends for nearly three decades was Justin Gannon, with whom he shared countless moments playing and singing together. Rick also cherished the lifelong friendship he shared with Roger Mohammed. Their friendship began in high school and remained a meaningful part of Rick’s life until Roger’s passing several years ago.

Anyone who knew Rick knew one thing for certain—he never met a stranger. He had a gift for striking up a conversation with anyone and making people feel like they had known him for years. His generous heart, easy smile, adventurous spirit, and genuine kindness left an impression everywhere he went.

Rick was preceded in death by his father, Richard Gerling; his paternal grandparents, Henry and Mary Gerling; his maternal grandparents, Ezra and Marilyn Powell; his beloved aunt, Kathryn “Kathy” Cozza; and his lifelong friend, Roger Mohammed.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Cassi Boysel; his loving mother, Marilyn Gerling; his devoted sister, Rachel Gerling-Wilfork, and her husband, Dwight Wilfork; his daughter, Meagan Mullins; his daughter, Shannon Davis, and her husband, Dustin Davis; his son, Dillan Mullins, and his wife, Monica Mullins; his stepchildren, Matt and Lilly; his cherished grandchildren, Ramsey, Jaxon, Braxton, and Lainey; his niece, Keyonna Wilfork, who shared an especially close and loving bond with him, and Paige Gamble; his uncles, Butch Powell and Ronnie Powell; along with many extended family members, lifelong friends, and everyone whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Rick also leaves behind his beloved cat, Biggs, whose faithful companionship brought him comfort and happiness.

Although his time with us was far too short, Rick leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, loyalty, music, and adventure. He lived life on his own terms, found joy in the simple things, and made friends wherever he went. His family finds comfort in knowing that his memory will live on through the stories he shared, the songs he played, the roads he traveled, the ocean he loved, and the countless lives he touched.

A celebration of Rick’s life will be announced by the family at a later date.

Though Rick’s journey on this earth has ended, his spirit lives on in every ocean wave, every familiar song, every open highway, and in the hearts of the family and friends who will forever carry his memory. His story does not end here—it lives on in all those who were blessed to know and love him.

Evans Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Richard “Rick” Gerling.