Ricky Dean Almond's Obituary
Ricky Dean “Rick “Almond, 62, of Albemarle passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. His funeral service will be 11 AM on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel in Albemarle with Pastor Evan Hill officiating, assisted by Rev. David Cochran and Rev. James Pyatt. Burial will follow in Stanly Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends on Monday evening, February 9, from 6 until 8 PM at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle.
Born July 1, 1963 in Stanly County, NC, Rick was the son of the late Sidney Allen Almond and Mary Jane Hartsell Almond Furr. He was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church and owner of Stray Cat Automotive in Albemarle. A graduate of North Stanly High School, Class of 1981, Rick went on to earn a BA in Music from Pfieffer University in 1986. Music became Rick’s true form of expression. An amazing saxophonist, Rick made quite a name for himself in music circles, especially in his loved progressive jazz, figuring prominently in such local bands as the Brubakers and Junque Gallery. Over the years Rick also performed with many other bands, including the Entertainers, Stinger, Limousine, Calamity Jane, U.B.U., Pink Floydian Slip and the Tommy Nations Band.
Rick is survived by brother Rod Almond of Rockwell, sister Rhonda A. Hughes of Albemarle, nephew Hunter Hughes, half-brother David Almond, step-mother Ann Almond, and special friend Amy Efird and her husband David Beard.
In lieu of flowers, Rick would want you to buy a jazz album, slip into a comfy chair, and let the music take you away.
Memorials can be made to New London United Methodist Church of New London, NC or Bethany United Methodist Church of Albemarle, NC.
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