Marcus T. Hickman

Marcus T. Hickman
Mr. Hickman, age 83, died on January 31, 2006 at Carolinas Medical Center with his family by his side. He was born on October 2, 1922 in Hudson, NC, son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Marcus T. Hickman.
Mr. Hickman graduated Salutatorian from Hudson High School in 1939. Following graduation, he entered Duke University and became a member of the Kappa Alpha Order. He was elected a member of Phi Beta Kappa and completed his Bachelor of Arts in three years. After completing his first year of law school at Duke, he joined the United States Navy during World War II and served for three years aboard a destroyer, seeing duty in both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres. Upon completion of his active duty in the Navy, he returned to Duke University Law School while continuing his service as a member of the Naval Reserve, ultimately as a Lieutenant Commander.
In 1948, he graduated from law school at Duke with high honors and was elected a member of the Order of the Coif and Phi Delta Phi. His loyalty, enthusiasm and ardent support of Duke continued throughout his life and his family and friends frequently witnessed his lengthy blessings of the Duke basketball team before family meals.
Mr. Hickman moved to Charlotte in 1948 and joined the law practice of Frank Kennedy. He became a partner of Kennedy, Kennedy & Hickman in 1953. In 1957, he and Frank Kennedy merged their practice with that of William Covington and Hugh Lobdell to form Kennedy Covington Lobdell and Hickman, which grew to become one of the largest firms in the Southeast.
In his 50 years of practice, Mr. Hickman focused primarily on corporate and tax law. He was well known for his strong devotion to his clients and tireless work ethic, as well as his deep appreciation and understanding of the law. Mr. Hickman was a member of the North Carolina Bar Association, the American Bar Association and was a Life Member of The Fellows of the American Bar Association.
A lifelong member of the Republican Party, Mr. Hickman was instrumental in the growth and development of the party in Charlotte and North Carolina, serving as a National Committeeman for Young Republicans and as Chairman of the Mecklenburg County Republican Party from 1955 to 1968. He was a delegate to several Republican National Conventions and was involved in the leadership of numerous local, state and national political campaigns.
Mr. Hickman served numerous civic, cultural, educational and governmental organizations. He was a Trustee of Central Piedmont Community College and The North Carolina Museum of Art. He served for four years as the first President of The Charlotte Montessori School in addition to serving as a Trustee from 1974-1981. He also served as a member of the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Commission from 1973-1977.
Mr. Hickman's enjoyment of classical music led to his involvement as a member of the Board of Directors of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Society where he also served as President from 1982 to 1984. His friends knew him as an avid collector of political buttons, rare coins and stock certificates. He was an enthusiastic photographer and traveled widely to pursue his interest. He also enjoyed golf, tennis and skiing. Mr. Hickman was a member of the Charlotte City Club, Hound Ears Club and Quail Hollow Club.
Mr. Hickman is survived by his wife of 36 years, Debra Harner Hickman, a daughter, Julie Hickman Thompson and son-in-law Dr. Daniel E. Thompson of Alexandria, Virginia, and two sons, Jonathan Clark Hickman and daughter-in-law Allison Reed Hickman of Charlotte, and Randolph Trent Hickman and daughter-in-law Tabitha Sam Hickman of New York City, as well as three grandchildren, David Forest Thompson, Ryan Alyse Hickman and Marcus Reed Hickman. He is also survived by three children from a previous marriage, Mary Stuart Silver, William Hickman and Marcus Hickman, Jr. He was pre-deceased by a brother, Dr. Harry S. Hickman and is survived by three sisters, Mary Hickman Vaughn, Jeanette Hickman Smoot and Elizabeth Hickman Boynton.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30PM on Friday, February 3, 2006 at St. John's Episcopal Church, 1623 Carmel Road, Charlotte. Visitation will follow the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Duke University, Attn: Marcus T. Hickman Family Scholarship Fund, c/o Duke Law School, Alumni & Development Office, P.O. Box 90389, Durham, NC 27708-0389, or to The Marcus & Debra Hickman Family Foundation, c/o Foundation for the Carolinas, 217 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Harry & Bryant Company is serving the family of Mr. Hickman.