/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/44/351164/1SDxGl2ktss2vngscameofrmd.jpg)
Obituary For John W. Hicks, Jr.
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.
Send flowers to the service of John W. Hicks, Jr.
Live Stream Links
Live stream linkLive stream link
Services
Visitation
Farewell Celebration
Photos & Video
Live Stream Links
Live stream linkLive stream link
Video Links
Additional link to the service
Additional link to the service
/fit-in/150x150/filters:fill(white)/prod/44/351164/John_W._Hicks_Jr..mp4/John_W._Hicks_Jr..0000000.jpg)
Condolences & Tributes
Add A Condolence
The Peace Lily was sent for John W. Hicks, Jr. - April 14, 2023
Latashia Jones sent The Peace Lily for John W. Hicks, Jr. - April 14, 2023
Sending Love and Deepest Sympathy. May God continue to give you strength in his will.
Love Always Latashia Jones and Family
Tonya Barnett sent Loving Thoughts Standing Spray for John W. Hicks, Jr. - April 12, 2023
Praying for your strength in the Lord. The CLC Family expresses our deepest sympathy. We Love You!!!
Ken Johnson sent The Peace Lily for John W. Hicks, Jr. - April 10, 2023
We will forever cherish the memories of John W. Hicks, Jr. for his leadership to the Black Pilots of America. With our deepest sympathy and love from the heart, Arkansas Thunderbirds Chapter, BPA
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was sent for John W. Hicks, Jr. - April 10, 2023
I met John as a coworker in 1991 with Alabama Public Health. He was a dear friend to me and my family. We would check on one another weekly. We talked about work, politics, current events, our families, church and our love for God. John was known throughout the Department of Environmental Health for his professionalism, dedication, intelligence, integrity and character. He was committed and respected from environmentalists all over the state of Alabama. He was the sole expert FDA contractor completing near 200 food processing inspections and reports a year while conducting training for knew environmentalists and other responsibilities and tasks. When John happily retired, it took four (4) people to fill his role. John excelled at everything he set out to do. Everyone knew him as Mr. John W. Hicks, Jr. and the "Hawk". John was admired and respected by all who worked with him and met him. My husband, girls and I had a wonderful and awesome opportunity to accompany John as our pilot on a plane ride! He will certainly be missed! God has landed an angel. Rest well John! My sincere sympathy to Ms. Thomasine, Audrey and the entire family. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
A True Patriot! Deacon John W. Hicks Jr. has touched so many lives in his lifetime. Without a doubt, he will be greatly missed! His service, sacrifice, and dedication to our country will never be forgotten. Heartfelt condolences to the Hicks, Hodge, and Peterson families. May his spirit continue to guide and inspire you in the days and years ahead.
"What a Friend We Have in Jesus" was Dea. Hicks's favorite song. He said it was also his dad's favorite. His Sunday School comments often included, "Now let's bring this thing down to Bethel!" He wanted make sure we applied the Word to our individual and collective lives.
I never knew how he kept his jokes straight and he always had new jokes and could tell them without laughing before the punch line.
His love for flying was evident because he inspired and helped many become pilots. "The Hawk" is absent from the body, but his impact will be felt for generations in his hometown of Bainbridge, in Tuskegee, and in air.
We will Sis. Hicks and the family in prayer. ...Sis. Cathy M. Jones
To the entire Hicks Family, Dea.John W.Hicks,Jr. loved ALL little children especially Bethel children. My grandson enjoyed talking with Dea. Hicks before Sunday School. Dea. Hicks was a faithful servant of God, very dedicated and believe in doing right. We will miss him dearly at Bethel. My entire family will keep you all in our prayers. God Bless
Sis. Bessie Cooper Harris & Family
Our condolences prayers and thoughts go to the Hicks and Peterson families. Asking God to comfort and strengthen you all during this difficult time. Mr. Hick will be truly missed, he touched so many of people with his loving kindness. Cynthia Austin and family
Offering my condolences to the Hicks and Peterson families. God is your refuge and your strength. Look to the hill from whence cometh your heart. Will be in continuous prayer for the families.
Deacon John W. Hicks Jr. will be sorely missed. He definitely believed in being on time and would remind us of this on Sunday mornings. I will miss his calls on Saturday asking if all was well in the finance room and if I needed help with anything. He would end with "very fine". I know the lighthouse is shining on him! Angela Gulley and Deacon Lawrence Gulley send prayers of comfort and peace to the Hicks family.
Prayers of comfort offered to Mrs. Thomasine and Family. The Lord will sustain you through this difficult moment. Marycile Echols Tuskegee, Alabama
Mr. Hicks was a veteran in the Tuskegee GPC clinic until recently and was a joy to have. Such a nice man. He will be greatly missed as we offer our sincerest condolences to the his family-Tuskegee GPC Clinic
To the entire Hicks families, Dea. Hicks will truly be missed by my family as well as our community and other communities. He was a truly dedicated Bethel member and leader. This giant of a man was a mentor to me and others. You all are in our prayers as Dea. John W. Hicks Jr. was also our family member as well as his family. Our chain has been broken but God can send brokenness. Continue to hold on to God.
My condolences and prayers go to Deacon John W. Hicks family..He will truly be missed..I too was a recipient of those Sunday morning calls for Su day School. Deacon Hicks will truly be missed by Shayla and myself..
Pat Mason and Shayla
My condolences and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of Dea. Hicks. He had a true commitment to the Bethel family and served faithfully. Take your rest servant of God. Well done. The Heard family
I met John while a student at Tuskegee Institute, taking flying lessons at Moton Field. As a student pilot I benefited from John "taking me under his wing" through his teaching and mentoring spirit while accompanying him on cross-country flights and local proficiency flying. I am grateful for those memories and the positive influence he had on me.
My condolences to the family. May John "Cruise In Eternal Peace".
~Michael McEvilley
Thank you for your humberness and carrs you shown to me and my hubby and everyone one that saw towards them. You will be well missed for sure including the Bethel Family 💯
My friend,confidant,Deacon and travel partner, RIP. Condolences to the family. Harold White
Dea. Hicks always wanted to start on time. When I was a member, he would call every Sunday morning to wake me up so I would be on time for Sunday School. He will truly be missed by many. My sincere condolences and prayers for the family. B. Hammon
Our condolences to the family of Deacon Hicks. He was such a nice man. Not only will his family miss him but so will Bethel. The Hall Family of Tuskegee
Deacon John W Hicks Jr believed in promptness and being on time. Larry and I will miss the 7:00 am Sunday morning calls for Sunday school at 9:15 am. He would say, "Good morning, It's 7:00am, your morning wake up call. I have to make my other calls. See you at 9:15." Deacon Larry and Sis Mary A. Davis ❤️😪❤️😪
My Condolences to the Hicks family.
Thank you for the confidence and kindness you have displayed by selecting us as your professional services provider. It is an honor to serve and support you. The Staff and Management of Carter Funeral Home
