Mr. Ricky Lynn "Rick" Hasty, age 61, of Rocky Face, Georgia, entered his heavenly home on Sunday afternoon at Emory Medical Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

Rick was born March 3, 1964, in Dalton, Georgia, a beloved son of the late W. Frank and Kathleen J. Williams Hasty. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, William "Bill" and Evie Prater Hasty and Robert W. and Eula Davenport Williams, as well as his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dillon and Doris Ponders.

Rick was a 1982 graduate of Northwest High School and continued his education at Dalton State College, Covenant College, and Phoenix College, where he earned a B.S. degree in Electrical Systems and Management. He faithfully served Whitfield County for over thirty-two years. A dedicated Christian, Rick was a member of Lakeside Baptist Church, where he poured his heart into ministry, worship, and fellowship. He was also a proud member of the Rocky Face Gordon Springs Masonic Lodge #463.

Rick's life was shaped by his deep faith in Jesus Christ and his love for family and community. He was known for his joyful spirit, warm smile, and ability to brighten any room he entered. His son, Trey, recalls, "Dad was a loving soul who could light up a place. He loved Jesus and sang all the time. His favorite song was I Believe by Brooks and Dunn, and his tractor song was I'll Fly Away."

Even through his long battles with cancer, kidney disease, and heart issues, Rick's faith never wavered. He spoke often about walking the Streets of Gold and seeing loved ones again by the Jordan River. He is now free from suffering, resting in the presence of his Savior, reunited with family who went before him.

Rick loved his family deeply and was especially proud of his son Trey, his daughter-in-law Anna, and the joy of his soon-to-arrive granddaughter, Lyla Jean Hasty, due February 23, 2026. He adored his sisters, brothers-in-law, and all his nieces and nephews, taking an active role in their lives with encouragement, guidance, and laughter.

He is survived by his devoted wife of thirty-six years, Barbara Ponders Hasty; his son and daughter-in-law, Trey and Anna Hasty; and his soon-to-be granddaughter, Lyla Jean Hasty. Also surviving are his sisters and brothers-in-law, Gail and Jerry Nealey and Pam and Terry Painter, all of Rocky Face, GA Rick was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews, including Eric and Emily Pullen, Shane and Stacey Owen, Steven and Laura Nealey, Michelle and Rodney Dodd, Terrance Ellsworth, Tamela and Patrick Cooke, Ashley and Josh Mull, Samantha and Chris Welch, and Alisha and Chris Stanley. He was also blessed with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews who loved their "Uncle Rick" dearly. His extended family includes sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Vickie and Roger Stanley, Linda and David Ellsworth, Dwayne Ponders, Kim and Jamie Howard, Ronnie Lee Ponders, James and Rhonda Ponders, and Dillion and Angie Ponders, Jr.; along with a host of cousins and many close friends.

Rick had a servant's heart and gave his time generously. He loved coaching and officiating in the community league, working with children at Miracle Field, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. He enjoyed golf, storytelling, and—above all—singing hymns and gospel songs that glorified God. His faith was not only something he believed in; it was something he lived out daily. Rick shared Jesus with others through his words, his music, and the way he loved people.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Ricky Lynn "Rick" Hasty will be held Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel, with Reverend Clyde Painter, Reverend Shawn McCoy, and his son Trey Hasty officiating. He will be laid to rest beside his parents and family at Fairview Baptist Church in Rocky Face, Georgia. Serving as pallbearers are Eric Pullen, Steven Nealey, Luke Owen, Terrance Ellsworth, Christopher Stanley, and Shane Owen.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel on Thursday after 1:00 p.m. until the service hour.

In lieu of flowers the family request that a donation be made to his wife in Rick's honor.

Arrangements by Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA 30721.
706-226-4002
www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org