Carson Spencer Hicks

With a joyful song in his heart, Carson Spencer Hicks, 85, of Princeton, W.Va., went to be with his Lord during the pre-dawn hours of Thursday, October 8, 2009. He was born in Covington, Va., on August 18, 1924, and was the son of the late Harry Winstard and Annie Laurie Spencer Hicks. He was also preceded in death on March 21, 2009, by his wife whom he adored for 63 years, Stella Bernece Peck Hicks; three brothers, Herman Hamilton, John Walker and Harry Winstard Hicks; and one sister, Jane Hicks Dedrick. Carson was a graduate of the Covington High School, Class of 1941. He lettered in football, was a gifted tenor in the school chorus and was selected to attend the Westminster Choir School, in the state of New York. Thereafter, he continuously utilized his musical talent to serve his Lord.
He was a member of the United States Marine Corps from April 22, 1943 until his honorable discharge as Staff Sergeant on January 13, 1947. During World War II he served in the Pacific Theatre as a member of the Marine Air Group 22.
After the untimely death of his father, he began employment at the early age of 14 working at Steger Drug Store, Covington, Va., to assist his family. This experience led to a successful career at Spangler Drug Company, Princeton, W.Va., where Carson, also known as "Kit," fulfilled a variety of responsibilities such as assisting in the management of the pharmacy, wedding gift shop, photography department and an old-fashioned soda fountain. The skills he developed through the years in photography led to a career opportunity in 1969 with the Mercer County Board of Education as the supervisor of the audio-visual and text book department. Carson retired in 1983 having successfully located and frequented, during his weekly travel schedule, every palatable school cafeteria in Mercer County!
Mr. Hicks was a long-time member of First Baptist Church, Princeton, W.Va., where he served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons. He served on various committees and was an integral part of the church jail ministry. He was a faithful sanctuary choir member and soloist, where he enjoyed singing alongside his son for many years. During the 1970's he took great pleasure in traveling with The Sounds of Conviction Christian musical youth group, where he operated and transported the sound board and lighting equipment for each production. Later in life, he traveled throughout a number of states with Sid Wheeler's Christian ministry and assisted with the sound system for his concerts. All those he met were greatly impacted by his sweet spirit and loving nature.
During the summer months, Carson and his family spent many memorable days at their Bonnie Banks cabin on Peak Creek at Claytor Lake, Va. He enjoyed the time spent with his family and friends participating in activities such as fishing, boating, skiing, entertaining and the ever-popular ongoing cabin maintenance.
Hobbies were an important part of Carson's life. He delighted in church league softball, league bowling and pitching horseshoes. He also enjoyed working together with his wife on various craft projects. The annual celebration of Christ's birth was a special time. For many years, elaborate award-winning handmade Christmas decorations adorned the inside and outside of their residence at 1101 Harrison Street. Carson was known as "Angel Man" and "Daddy Angel" as a result of his many ceramic angel creations, which he used as an instrument in his ministry.
Survivors include his two beloved children he referred to as his "pride" and "joy," Kathy Gray Hicks Lester, a reading specialist in Campbell County, Va., Schools and her husband, Melvin, of Bedford, Va., and Mark Stephen Hicks, a criminal defense attorney in the NRV and his wife, Margaret, of Pearisburg, Va.; his dearly loved stepgranddaughter, Anna Carroll Stevens, of Lynchburg, Va.; and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are special friends, Anna Gray Branyon and her daughters, Beth Branyon and Dr. Ann Sowers, Sid and Sue Wheeler, and Russ and Angie Willoughby; special caregiver, Flo Wimmer; and numerous friends/caregivers at The Havens and Glenwood Memorial Park Retirement Village. Last, but certainly not least, the family would like to express special thanks to the amazing cardiologist, Dr. Michael A. Blazing, of Duke University Medical Center, whose guidance and loving care, along with others, helped Carson enjoy 23 years of active life after heart bypass surgery.

Visitation will be held on Saturday evening, October 10, 2009, at Seaver Funeral Home, Princeton, W.Va., where the family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. A Celebration of Carson's Life will be conducted 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2009, from the First Baptist Church, Princeton, W.Va. Burial will follow in Peterstown Cemetery, Peterstown, W.Va.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 1116 Mercer St., Princeton, W.Va. 24740. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.seaverfuneralservice.com. Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton is serving the Hicks family.