Al-Kareem Abdullah's Obituary
Al-Kareem Abdullah, also known as Percy Lee Ricks, Jr., was born on April 14, 1948, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Percy Lee Ricks, Sr. and Louise “Penny” Lawson Ricks. Al-Kareem answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army, where he served honorably as a combat medic during the Vietnam War and in Cambodia. His service was recognized with three Bronze Star Medals for heroism in ground combat, the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight, the Combat Medic Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. He was also named October Veteran of the Month by the United Veterans Organization at Chattanooga State Technical Community College. A proud veteran, he wore his Vietnam hats throughout his life.
Following military service, Al-Kareem completed his education, graduating from Riverside High School, earning an associate degree from McKenzie College, and later completing associate and master’s degrees from the North Carolina College of Theology. He was employed by the Tennessee Correctional System and later by FedEx before retiring.
Al-Kareem later settled in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he met and married his beloved wife, Florence Abdullah. Together, they founded Grace and Mercy Church and Ministries. He served as Chief Elder, President of the Trustee Board, Director of the Men of Honor Men’s Ministry, and mentor to the Young Lions Mentoring Ministry. He enjoyed maintaining an active lifestyle and valued discipline and health.
On Friday, January 30, 2026, while at his home in Middletown, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his loving family, he peacefully entered into eternal rest at seventy-seven years of age. He was preceded in death by his son, Marlon Ricks; his parents, Percy and Penny Ricks; his sister, Margaret H. Burts; and his brothers, Norman Ricks, Johnnie Lee Ricks, Anthony Lebron Ricks, and David Earl Ricks.
He leaves to honor and cherish his memory his wife, Florence Abdullah; his children, Francine (Christopher) Burts, Percena (Malik) Anderson, Terry (Kristin) Martin, Penny (David) Smith, Al-Kareem Abdullah II, Al-Kareem Rafiel Abdullah, Jamila Abdullah, Jameel Abdullah (Rosa), Michaela Burrell, and Kamillah Abdullah; his brother, George (Maria) Ricks; his sister, Regina (Michael) Edwards; seventeen grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, godchildren, extended family members, church family, and friends.
Al-Kareem will lie-in-state on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 1-5 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 12 noon in the Chapel with Pastor Randy Petersen as the Eulogist. Burial in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
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