Gary Hickingbottom

1947 - 2021

PARAGOULD - Gary R. Hickingbottom of Paragould departed this earthly life to ascend to his heavenly home on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at the age of 73, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro.

Gary was born July 1, 1947, in California to Russell and Lena Hickingbottom. The family later moved to Arkansas when Gary was 12 years old.

The family moved a lot while Gary was growing up, but he settled in the Jonesboro area in 1981 and met the love of his life, Carol Jean Stephens. They were married April 10, 1982, and enjoyed 39 years together.

They often reassured each other of their love and commitment to travel life together to the end no matter what life brought their way.

This they did, with Carol beside him holding his hand as they said their final goodbyes until they are together again in their heavenly home.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Joshua Hickingbottom.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, and stepson, Chris (Helen) Bolick, who he raised and loved as his own from the age of 4; sons, Tom (Debbie) Hickingbottom of Ashdown and Bob (Jana) Hickingbottom of Texarkana, Texas; and grandchildren, Abigail, William, Jacob, Shelby and Jessica, who he loved dearly.

He is also survived by a brother, Barry (Becky) Hickingbottom of Springdale and a sister, Elaine (Ron) Myer of Porter, Texas.

In addition, he is survived by his mother-in-law, Lorene Stephens, and brothers-in-law, Allen (Sheila) Stephens, Gary (Linda) Stephens and Lindel (Janette) Stephens.

A graveside service will be held for Gary beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. John's Lutheran Church Cemetery where he was a member. Pastor Aaron Neugebauer will officiate.

Those wishing to leave a lasting memorial may consider St. John's Lutheran Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Online tributes: www.heathfuneralhome.com