Woodfin – What made Magic Central, a small shop in Woodfin, a truly magical place is now cloaked in a profound sense of loss. Ricky Boone, the beloved and charismatic proprietor of Magic Central in Woodfin, motivational speaker, and local magician, recently departed this world, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew him.
A Life of Resilience: Overcoming Challenges with Grace
Boone, 63, as his obituary states, “went home to be with his Lord and Savior” at Mission Hospital on June 18th. From an early age, Boone contracted a bone disease that prevented his body from fully developing; combined with extreme scoliosis, the conditions had left him wheelchair-bound for the last 40 years.
According to a 2006 article on insidemagic.com, Boone was “one of the regulars at the South Carolina Association of Magicians Convention, but there is almost nothing ‘regular’ about him. Despite his handicaps and setbacks, Mr. Boone has pushed on not only with a sense of humor and love for magic but also with a real talent to truly entertain audiences.”
A Celebrated Spirit: Rising Above Physical Disabilities
The article further celebrates Boone’s indomitable spirit, stating, “A remarkable person, he has risen above physical disabilities to succeed as a performer and business owner. Through it all, he has been guided and strengthened by family and friends, an unwavering faith in God, and a passion for stage magic.”
Years ago, The Tribune had the honor of interviewing Boone, revealing his profound adoration for the art of magic. Not only did he sell magic tricks to the public at his humble shop along Weaverville Highway, but he also took pleasure in demonstrating them. Boone’s unassuming establishment served as a haven for intimate magic shows, where he would captivate groups of around ten to fifteen individuals with his spellbinding performances.
According to his obituary, Boone “and his family relocated to Woodfin in 1972,” where Ricky attended Thom’s Rehabilitation School. “Once he graduated from Thom’s Rehabilitation, he then attended Cecil’s College, where he received a marketing and accounting degree. Ricky then went to work for Cable Electric as an office manager.
The obituary said he had many hobbies, including photography, but magic, an advocation he was introduced to by a school teacher, according to a video on Vimeo, was “his true love. Later in life, he was the founder of the Vanishing Wheelchair Non-Profit. Ricky won many awards, including the International Brotherhood of Magicians Presidential Award, the Southeastern Association of Magicians Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2007 Southeastern Regional Emmy Award that was given by Leighton Grant and Larry Blunt with WLOS News TV.
“Surviving are his sisters: Jearline Hensley and husband, Donald, Wanda Hughes and husband, Edward, all of Burnsville, and Loretta Faircloth and friend, Marc, of Asheville; brother: Dwight W. Boone, Jr. and wife, Debbie, of Burnsville; nieces and nephews: Shannon, Daphne, Natalie, Hannah, Brian, DW, Tara, Tegan, Eli, Easton, Grayson, and Ragan; and special friend, Dottie. His white dove, Babe, and many loving caregivers also survive” along with thousands of fans and admirers.
Funeral services were held at 3 pm on Saturday, June 24th, in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Dick Westbrook, Rev. Buddy Corbin, and Rev. Terry Hollifield officiated. Burial followed in the Boone Cemetery on Plum Branch.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Vanishing Wheel Chair, Inc., at 175 Weaverville Road, Suite H, Asheville, NC 28804, or on their website at www.vanishingwheelchair.org.
Reporter’s note: If you want a sample of Ricky Boone and the effect he had on people, go to https://vimeo.com/showcase/1531530/video/20092785.