Carl Eugene Hicks

Carl Eugene Hicks was born on August 29, 1941 to Ray and Ola Hicks in Warren, Michigan. He passed away on November 25, 2018 at age 77. He is survived by his wife Gail (née Palmer), his children Theresa (Luke) Jackson, Kim Hicks, Timothy (Jill) Hicks, and Bruce Hicks, his grandchildren Alek Matson, Avery Hicks, Erin Hicks, Joy Hicks, and London Jackson, his sister Joyce Alongi, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, four siblings, and his grandson Colt Matson. Carl began his career in the plastics injection molding industry while still in his teens and quickly rose to management positions before being drafted into the United States Army. He served three years and was stationed in Germany. After his honorable discharge Carl returned home to resume his career and start his family. In the 1970s Carl partnered with colleagues from the industry to form Research Plastics in Warren, MI. When the company closed he worked for others, eventually becoming General Manager at Universal Prototype in Fraser, Michigan. It was there he met his wife of 33 years, Gail. In 1987, Carl and Gail started Hicks Plastics Company in Fraser. It would become his life's work for the next 31 years. Through his hard work, innovation, and grit the company grew rapidly and relocated to Macomb, Michigan. In 2015, Carl and his son Timothy expanded the company by opening a plant in Knoxville, TN. Carl loved to play as hard as he worked. Over the years this led him to travel the country racing offshore speed boats, obtain a private pilot's license, and become a nationally-ranked professional archer with numerous titles and awards. He was an avid bow hunter who traveled around the world for expeditions. Carl was an expert salmon fisherman and spent many of his happiest times on the Great Lakes aboard his fishing boat, the Sea Demon. He even managed to merge his love of sports with his love for plastics by developing products for archery and fishing enthusiasts, earning several United States Patents in the process. In his later years Carl spent more time at home with his wife and beloved Chocolate Labs. He pursued his interest in woodworking by designing and building custom furniture. He was also a self-taught stained glass artist. More than anything else, Carl loved his family. He was proud of his children's accomplishments and cherished his grandchildren. He was truly one-of-a-kind and his memory will be a blessing to everyone who loved him.