Fred F. Hicks Sr.

GRANITE FALLS - The Rev. Fred F. Hicks Sr., 81, of Granite Falls, died Monday, Oct. 29, 2007, at Charles A. Cannon Jr. Memorial Hospital. He was born Jan. 20, 1926, in Caldwell County to the late Forrest Hicks and Elsie Fannie Craig Hicks. The Rev. Hicks was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II. He also was a retired minister and a member of Mountain Grove Baptist Church. The Rev. Hicks earned his associate's and bachelor's of art degree and bachelor's of Divinity degree. He served as pastor for several area churches, spanning several decades. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Sharon Anderson, four brothers and four sisters. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Hazel Wilson Hicks of the home; his daughter, Teresa Hicks of Granite Falls; four sons, Fred F. Hicks Jr. and wife, Alesia, of Hickory, David Hicks of Granite Falls, Jon Hicks and wife, Jenni, of Bethlehem and Joe Hicks and wife, April, of Granite Falls; six grandchildren, Randy Jr., Terry, Robbie, John, Nikki and Kayla; two great-grandchildren; and two brothers, William Hicks of Jacksonville, Fla., and Ed Hicks of Hickory. The memorial service for the Rev. Hicks will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007, at Mackie-High Chapel, with the Rev. Dr. Clifton Black officiating, with military honors conducted by members of DAV Chapters 84 and 6. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Mackie-High Funeral Home in Granite Falls. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Western Carolina Chapter, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, N.C. 28215-3220. Mackie-High Funeral Home is serving the Hicks family. You may view the obituary online at www.mem.com.