Carter Funeral Home announces the peaceful transition of Deacon John W. Hicks, Jr., of Tuskegee, AL.Deacon Hicks, age 81, LTC, U.S. Army Retired, transitioned into eternal rest on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 in Opelika, AL.

The Commemoration of Life will begin with public visitation and a service of reflection on Sunday. April 16, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Bethel Baptist Church Family Life Center, Tuskegee, AL.

The Final Life Celebration will be held Monday, April 17, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. from the sanctuary of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Tuskegee Alabama. Service will be live-streamed (see clickable link below)Pastor Kenneth G. Jones will deliver the message of comfort and acceptance.

Interment will full military honors will follow at the Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery.

In accordance with COVID sensitive precautions, social distancing, and protective face masks are encouraged.

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF Deacon John Wilson Hicks, Jr., son of the late John Wilson Hicks and Alice Hortense Butler was born August 8, 1941, in Bainbridge, (Decatur County) Georgia. John answered the Master’s call and accepted his final flight on Wednesday, April 5, 2023.John, a natural leader, was the eldest of four siblings and the cornerstone of his family unit. He was preceded in death by two siblings, Jacqueline (Charles) Preston and Larry Jerome Hicks. A sister, Margaret Mullen survives to mourn him.He graduated from Hutto High School in 1959 with honors. He graduated from Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University), with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Upon completing his college degree, John was commissioned a 2nd Lt. USAR, Infantry, through the Army ROTC Program at Tuskegee Institute. He served in the US Army from 1963 to May 1971, leaving active duty with the rank of Captain. He then furthered his education by earning an M.S. in Environmental Science from Tuskegee Institute in 1973. After completing his master's degree, he gained employment with the Alabama Department of Public Health where he served as a public health inspector for Macon County. During his tenure with ADPH, he earned a second Master’s Degree from Troy State University in Counseling and Human Development, while also continuing his military career with the National Guard from 1978 to 1992. After retiring from the National Guard as Major John W. Hicks, Jr., he went on to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve until 1994, officially retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel (LTC). He later transferred to Montgomery Health Department as a USDA Health Inspector until his retirement in 2012.While serving in the military, John served in Germany and served two combat tours in Vietnam with the 9th Infantry Division, 4th Infantry Division and 101st Airborne Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” Device (Valor), Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with a Silver Star, and two Air Medals.John’s enthusiasm for flying began in 1960 while a freshman in Air Force ROTC at Tuskegee Institute. He soloed on April 1, 1969, and received his private pilot’s license in June of 1969. John enjoyed participating in various flying Organizations. He was a member of the EAA Young Eagles Program (logging more than 600 rides). John was afforded the opportunity to log several flight hours with the great Charles “Chief” Anderson. Even in his retirement, John mentored and offered support to the Angel/Mercy Flights by volunteering with flight patients to medical appointments. John recently received the coveted Wright Brothers Aviation Award and more recently the Octavian Award for still pursuing his love of Aviation at the age of 80. He was the Immediate Past National President of Black Pilots of America (BPA), and was serving as the current Chapter president of the Golden Eagles Chapter (Tuskegee) of BPA. John will be remembered and noted as one of the founding members of Negro Airmen International, Inc. (NAI) and served as its National President also.John shared his blessings by making service to others his life’s work. He served the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church family as a member of the Male Chorus, Superintendent of the Sunday School, Former Chair of the Finance Committee and has been the Chairman of the Board of Deacons for almost four decades. He was proud to serve as a volunteer Deputy with the Macon County Sheriff’s Department. Flourishing in life, John managed to spread his love of aviation to not only his admiring daughter but to his grand­daughters, as well. Immersing the family in aviation, his legacy and love of flight continue with them as well as anyone who had the pleasure of knowing “The Hawk” or hearing one of his many jokes.

Earthly memories will be forever cherished by his devoted wife of 59 years, Thomasine Edwina Peterson Hicks, his loving daughter - Audrey (William) Hodge and his granddaughters - Alani Maria and Alicia Marie Hodge. John’s memory will also be cherished by in-laws, Elaine Jacqueline (Otis) Johnson, Atlanta, GA; Thomas E. (Birdie) Peterson, Jr., Opelika, AL and Lynne Hicks, Chantilly, VA. “Uncle John” was loved by nephews and nieces - William (Waleska) Hicks and sons - Isaiah, Elijah and Callan Hicks, Covington, LA; Brett Preston, Grand Ridge, FL; Lauren (Thomas) Attridge and son - Donovan Attridge, Centreville, VA; Thomas (Sharon) Peterson III, and daughter Sincere Peterson, Opelika, AL; Bridgett Preston and daughter Elaina Preston; Corey (Stefanie) Peterson and children Saylor and Rivers Peterson, Helena, AL; Jacqueline Yolanda Johnson (Christopher, Jr.)) Pittman and daughter, Christiana Pittman, Camissa Johnson (Victor) Thornton and children, Victoria and Ty Thornton, Christopher Johnson and Leajuanne Preston all of Atlanta, GA and numerous cousins, other relatives, colleagues, and dear friends.

The Staff of Carter Funeral Home is honored to provide End of Life Services for the late Deacon John W. Hicks, Jr.