John Hicks

John F. Hicks, 97, (Pap) passed away Saturday, July 13, 2019, after living a long and exuberant life. Born January 15, 1922, in Savannah, GA and raised in Houston, TX. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps 607th Material Squadron, 383rd Air Service Group, October 8, 1942, at Fort McPherson, GA. His specialty was Automotive Equipment Operator where he served in the Pacific Theatre from December 19, 1944. He was assigned to a unit in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre of Operations and was awarded several medals for his service. When he returned stateside March 28, 1946, he moved to Graysville, TN, where he met Bonnie Gordon Hicks, whom he dated for three months, then married October 5, 1946. They have been happily married over 72 years. He tried his hand at farming, before giving carpentry a try. He was very successful, building many homes in Rhea County and the surrounding area. He built approximately 75 homes, churches, and schools, in Graysville alone. He was a Seventh-Day Adventist, who loved the Lord with all his heart, often teaching Sabbath School classes, and even preaching on occasion. His daily walk with the Lord was one with yearning for the day Christ would return and take His children home.

He was a devoted husband, loving his wife better than most. A loving father to his three daughters and son, and a wonderful grandfather to his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Bonnie Gordon Hicks. Children; Glynis (Jim) Prince, Johnnie Clark, Mike (Nadia) Hicks, and Bonnie (Ted) Doss. Grandchildren; Brian (Alicia) Prince, Greg (Deleitha) Prince, Stephanie (Barron) Wilson, Nick (Chelsea) VanOrnum, Lindsay (Seth) Zimmerman, Sophia Hicks, Michael (Blair) Simpson, and Jeff (Burnadette) Doss. Great-grandchildren; Megan, Matthew, James, Daniel, Christian, Spencer, Will, Maya, Baby Zimmerman (coming 2020), Katheryn, Hannah, Maddox, Gabriella, Michael Austin, Jack and Emily.

A Celebration of Life will be held instead of a funeral on Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at Graysville City Hall, 136 Harrison Avenue, Graysville, TN, 37338, from 6-9 p.m. Friends and family are all invited.

Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.
Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.

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