Paul Rutherford "Bicky" Bickford Jr., 71, passed away October 14, 2021, with his beloved wife Susan by his side. He lived a remarkable life with courage and incredible strength. As a native Hamptonian whose family had lived there for generations, he could not go anywhere in town without running into a friend. With a great sense of humor, he delighted friends with Bicky Tales: Stories as only he could tell, enthusiastically recounting every detail. And he could often be found riding his golf cart around as the honorary "Mayor" of his neighborhood.
Bicky was born September 28, 1950, in Hampton to the late Bettylee Downing Bickford Nicholson and Paul Rutherford Bickford. He attended Brewster Academy and Emerson School in New Hampshire before graduating from Hampton High School 1970. He went to work with his father at Bickford Company. The construction company was founded by his grandfather James VanAllen Bickford who served as mayor of Hampton for 27 years. Bicky learned the building trade from the ground up by picking up nails at building sites as a young boy. He became President of Bickford Company in 1976 after the death of his father. Becoming one of the Peninsula's leading builders of custom homes, Bicky also became actively involved with the Peninsula Housing and Builder's Association. He earned the honorary designation of Life Spike for his many years of work.
Bicky was a third generation member of the Hampton Rotary Club which was founded by his grandfather. He was a level 2 Paul Harris Fellow and a dedicated Rotarian who rarely missed a meeting. Bicky was an avid hunter and was a long time member of Bacon's Castle Hunt Club. His great love of the Chesapeake Bay and boating began at an early age. And from the time Bicky was 12 years old he could be found on his Boston Whaler on the Hampton River. He was often seen water skiing with friends on the Hampton River. He taught all of his children and grandchildren to drive a boat and would proudly take them for a cruise anytime. As a long-time member of Hampton Yacht Club, he cherished his time with his Monday lunch mates.
A near fatal automobile accident in February 1997 left Bicky with health issues for the rest of his life. Through physical perseverance and an indomitable spirit, he survived serious injury, numerous surgeries, prolonged hospital stays, and onerous physical therapy. With the devoted care of his loving wife Susan, Bicky was able to overcome many health struggles in the nearly 25 years since his accident. He loved his family and especially adored spending time with his darling grandchildren. Bicky's will to live and courageous spirit will always be an inspiration to his family and friends.
Bicky is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Susan Mansfield Bickford; His three children and nine grandchildren: Paul Rutherford Bickford III and Ellen Astrid Bickford (Paul R IV (Ford), Cecelia Grace, Lily Anne, Lillye Anne, Amos Xavier); Robert Mansfield Bickford, Juliet Bickford Guglielmo and William Frank Guglielmo (William Bowman, Annabelle Rose, Bradley Bickford, Mary Charlotte Lee); His two sisters, Betsy Bickford Burnette; Carolyn Bickford McCulloch (Don); Two cousins, James V. Bickford III (Blair) and Wilcox Ruffin Jr.; and many loving nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 23, in St. John's Episcopal Church Cemetery at 100 W Queens Way, Hampton, VA by the Rev. Monsignor Walter Barrett, Jr.
Arrangements by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Ave, Hampton, VA 23669.
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