Well-known Memphis pastor Ricky Floyd was gunned down outside a popular local nightclub and diner following a verbal dispute with a woman in the early morning hours Wednesday.
The shooting occurred outside Momma’s Bar and Diner at the corner of Crump Avenue and Kentucky Avenue around 1 a.m., March 12. The establishment was closed at the time.
Memphis Police Department released a mugshot of Samantha Marion, 42, who has been charged with voluntary manslaughter.
Witnesses told MPD the argument began inside but spilled outside, where Floyd’s anger allegedly turned into “aggressive” behavior. According to police, video footage also captured Floyd throwing Marion’s phone, along with a can of beer, before entering his vehicle.
As he drove away, Marion began recording with her phone. Floyd stopped his car and confronted her. After a witness separated the pair, Marion allegedly began walking toward Floyd. The footage shows the pastor falling to the ground.
Marion reported the incident to police. A single shell casing was recovered at the scene.
Floyd, 58, was senior pastor at Pursuit of God Church, located at 3759 N. Watkins in the Frayser community. He co-founded the ministry with his wife, Sheila, in 2002.
“On behalf of the family, it is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Pastor Ricky D. Floyd, a beloved husband, father and son. His unwavering dedication to our community and his profound impact on the lives of those he touched will be remembered and cherished,” Pursuit of God Church said in a statement.
Floyd was also pastor of the nonprofit Salvation Revelation Ministries, which provided outreach to youth, along with abstinence training, singles events, children’s study groups, feeding events and housing needy families.
Mayor Paul Young issued a statement saying Floyd’s death is a loss for Memphis.
“My heart is more than heavy today as we mourn the tragic loss of Pastor Ricky Floyd to senseless gun violence. Pastor Floyd was a beloved leader, friend, mentor and servant to our city. He dedicated his life to lifting up others and guiding countless souls with his wisdom,” Young said.
“Gun violence in our city has taken too many lives, shattered too many families and left too many communities in grief. This must stop. We cannot allow senseless violence to define us. We must stand together — neighbors, leaders, law enforcement and faith communities — to bring meaningful, lasting change,” Young wrote.
