Charles Gregory Hickman
Charles Gregory Hickman
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Charles Hickman Obituary
"Greg" leaves behind a legacy defined by academic achievement, devotion to his family and friends, and a lifelong commitment to learning. He was never married and had no children, but he poured his heart into loving his young nieces and nephews. His life reflected quiet strength, intellectual curiosity, and of course an unwavering love for the people that meant the most to him. Greg loved Kingsport, Tennessee.
Greg graduated high school in 1978. He was an honor student at Dobyns Bennett High School, having been selected as a National Merit semifinalist in high school. As a point guard, he was one of the leaders on the Dobyns Bennett High School varsity basketball team for 3 years. He considered Coach Buck Van Huss and Coach Anthony Eckels as favorite teachers and role models. With the encouragement of Guidance Counselor Virgealia Ellis, Greg pursued a degree in economics at Wake Forest University. Faced with a serious illness during his junior year, Greg sat out a semester and completed his degree at East Tennessee State University. After his graduation, Greg obtained a Juris Doctor degree from the Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Greg put his legal education to good use. He became a hearing officer for the State of Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. He worked in the Appeal Tribunal Unit for more than 20 years. He served as a Hearing Officer in Chattanooga and Johnson City. Greg was an exceptional employee "married" to his work. He received several performance outstanding awards.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Willie Mae Hickman; paternal grandparents, Zack and Annie Hickman; maternal grandparents, Ben and Lucille Swann; uncle, Arthur D. Hickman; aunt, Mildred; uncle Kelsie Davis; and Uncle Bennie Swann.
Greg was the youngest of four brothers and is survived by his brother, Varley and his family, Amiri (Donna) Dawn, Amirah Omari, Jamaal, Jamillah, Jalyn, Jayla, Jada, Noah and Journee, his brother Don (Jan) and his family GJ (Melaine) Donovan (Brittany) Brixsey Drew, Canon, Destin, Hanon, Haden, Alane (Alexander), and his brother Jim (Vanessa) and his family Maurice (Tiffany) Trevian, Kaemon , Jamie. He is also survived by his aunt Barbara Greene (Wayne Swann and Rhonda), Deidre Pettus, Sir David Pettus, David Green; aunt Melva Hickman Cooke Mitchelle (Sabine) Patrick and Alexander Cooke, Kenny (Leidys) Cooke and Christopher Cooke; aunt Marva Swann; uncles Carl and Vernon Swan (Mary Ruth); cousins, Jewell (Percy) Keisha (Aaron)Edmond. Greg had numerous lifelong friends. Among these are Arthur Bradley", Jerome Pierce, George Long, Paul Horton, Ronnie Horton, Patrice Ben Abbey, Bryan Smith of Nashville, Bryan Smith of Arkansas.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Carter-Trent Funeral Home-Kingsport. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. To attend services virtually, please click here.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Honorary pallbearers will be Greg's long-time and newly acquired friends. Those wishing to attend are asked to arrive at the cemetery by 1:50 pm.
Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Kingsport is serving the Hickman family.
"You never lose what you love if you love what you lose"
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Chris B Fontenot, Sr
March 9, 2026
RIP classmate
David
March 8, 2026
What I enjoyed about Greg was after not seeing him for a season or two,there was never a loss for words. We could pick up a previous conversation...easily. Our last conversation, he reminded me of the tenacity of the alias...Calhoun! My Riverview name. Lol!
The Lord God Almighty! The author and finisher of our soul.
Gale Houston Frazier
March 8, 2026
I enjoyed seeing Greg at our hearing officer training sessions with the State. He was always friendly and a gentleman. I will miss him and his smile. Condolences to his family.
Brad Hoover
March 8, 2026
For 3 years Greg and I had the same home room at DB. I even made a "road trip" to Wake for us to see the Spinners at homecoming. Years later, our seats were next to each other at DB football games. He could tell the best Buck stories and imitate him perfectly! We all will miss his smile! He shared it with everyone he met!
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Leola Gray Johnson
March 8, 2026
My heart goes out to the Hickman Family! We all grew up as family in Rotherwood! Prayers to each of you. Leola Gray (sister) Johnson Midland, Texas
Jacqueline Stephenson
March 8, 2026
Greg and I began our careers with the state at about the same time. The decades flashed by, but he steadily maintained a heightened display of dignity and professionalism. He was kind, positive, and always seeking new adventure and opportunities to learn; he loved to travel. Overall, Greg was an awesome co-worker and friend. He will be greatly missed at Labor & Workforce. My sincere condolences to his brothers and surviving family members.
Phil Maupin
March 8, 2026
You could never meet a kinder gentleman. Anytime I came into his presence he would give me a big smile and talk to me for 5 minutes to an hour. He could talk about anything and with such true spirit and thoughtfulness. It's always sad to lose one of our 78 guys. Greg will be truly missed!
Eugenia Cotner Robinson
March 7, 2026
My deepest condolences to the Hickman Family! I didn't know him personally but am longtime friends with his brother Varley! Gone too soon!
Rodney Lytle
March 7, 2026
Growing up in Kingsport Tennessee in a predominantly African American community called Riverview, we were always taught friendship, and love of one another. All of the Hickman family were great friends who were leaders and had a great impact on our youth. Greg although a little younger than me was one kind person and always had a great smile of gratitude. I send my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the Hickman family. My heart goes out to you all during this difficult time of grief. I will be holding you all up in the light . Our family enjoyed many years of being together in our community celebrating the fourth of July parades and playing basketball at the Douglas outdoor basketball court. May Greg rest in eternal peace!
Rickie Kelley
March 7, 2026
Greg will truly be missed. He was a great friend.
Judy Gosselin Kresge
March 7, 2026
I am so sad to read this news. Greg was a true gentleman. When I went back to Kingsport in 2000 to be near my family Greg would come by and visit me in my office and we had great talks. He was kind, funny and a wonderful person. My prayers to all of his family and extended family. Heaven gained a Big Angel
Jay Falcone
March 7, 2026
I just met Greg last year on a tour we shared to Morocco, Spain and Portugal. He was always friendly, joking and you could tell warm hearted . Quick to discuss different sports news and he had a great passion and knowledge of basketball and football.
We had a few dinners together and I will always remember the time we took the subway in Lisbon go view the sites .
My condolences to his family and friends I know you will miss him. RIP
Elaine Appleberry
March 7, 2026
I´m so very saddened to learn of the passing of my dear classmate, Greg Hickman. I saw him at our last 2 class reunions. I remember him as a very sweet and nice man. I don´t recall anyone ever having a crossed word with him. I´m praying for his family and our class. He will be missed.
The Crowell/Edmond Family
March 7, 2026
Greg was always full of jokes and wisdom. When we would visit from Maryland, he would always say "Did y´all bring me some crabs?"
We will miss you cousin.
Jonathan
March 7, 2026
Greg was a tremendous man. I admired him in high school. His academics and basketball skills were amazing. But most of all Greg was a kind, compassionate human being and shared those traits with me. I always enjoyed seeing Greg. He always made you feel better about yourself. Rest in peace my friend. May god provide comfort and peace to his family.
Jimmy Hudson
March 7, 2026
Being two years ahead of Greg at DB to this day which would be 50 years ago I can still remember his charm, kindness and that everyone liked him.. RIP Greg. Prayers to the entire Hickman family. Jimmy Hudson
Deirdre Pettus
March 6, 2026
I will miss my cousin!!
Love you,
Deirdre (Dee Dee)
George Long
March 6, 2026
My Sincere condolences to the family, I´m so sorry for this tragic Loss, Greg was a life long friend from childhood till now , he was one of the best people you could know , A great athlete and very intellectual as well , truly a good person all ways has been , he will truly be missed , this is a very sad situation, Greg will never be forgotten!
Margaret Camp
March 6, 2026
Sending my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family. God bless you all. Greg was a very special person and always a joy to be around. RIP Margaret Camp (Pumpkin)
Tonya Robinson
March 6, 2026
My cousin was the sweetest and kindest of heart. My condolences to the family and may your memories and joyous times together bring you peace and comfort. Loving you always cousins from Illinois
Cynthia Van Huss L Harold
March 6, 2026
My condolences to the family. The DB basketball team is a brotherhood of such great men.
God Bless all the family.
Deloris & Walter Bristol
March 6, 2026
To the Hickman family & friends we are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. Our Prayers & condolences to you all. May God give you peace
Rev. Joseph and Dr Charlotte Comage
March 6, 2026
The Comage family will have you in our prayers. May the Lord comfort and hold you in His arms.
Iris Bradley
March 6, 2026
I'm so sorry for your loss. Greg was good person. RIP Greg.
Voncilla Ellis Fulson
March 5, 2026
Greg Hickman Was Always Pleasant And Gave Words Of Wisdom Through His Smile. Thank You For The Respect And Honor You Blessed My Mother With As An Educator And Our Families Connection Over The Years. All Are Called And Few Are Chosen; God Chose You Charles Greg Hickman
God's Love And Peace,
Voncilla Ellis Fulson
Giles Mcclintock
March 5, 2026
I knew Greg to be a kind and quite giant of leadership. I always looked up to Him especially while attending Dobyns Bennett High School. He Will be truly missed
Vanessa Overton
March 5, 2026
My deepest condolences to the family. I last saw Greg about three years ago in front of his home. We talked about his travels and things we had posted on facebook over the years. He was always so nice. He will be truly missed.
Ann Noe
March 5, 2026
I worked with Greg at the Johnson City office. He was always smiling and hardworking. He always had an amazing story to tell as well as only person I Knew besides me that loved to sing Delta Dawn! He was always a great spirit to have around. I was sadden to learn of his passing. He was very passionate about taking care of his parents. Genuine great guy. Hugs and prayers to the friends and family.
Ella Logan
March 5, 2026
I was home (Kingsport) a few years ago taking care of my father in home hospice. I stepped outside to get fresh air and have a "moment" and Greg was driving by. He stopped and we talked for quite a bit. He was so helpful that day with just his words of comfort and encouragement. That was the most we had ever talked. I´m so saddened to hear of his unexpected passing. Sending many prayers for his family and friends for this huge loss.
Jeannie Walters Ballard
March 5, 2026
When I met Greg at Sevier Jr High school in 7th grade, we learned we shared our birth date and shared many classes. I remember cheering him on as part of the student cheering section for Basketball, both Sevier and DB. He was so very smart, kind and funny. The world can´t afford to lose good people and he was one of the best!
Cindy Dickson Sharitt
March 5, 2026
So sorry to see this. Greg was a little older, but he was someone we all knew because of his charming personality and outstanding character. I pray the family is comforted by many good memories and all the love that was shared.
Dean Woodward
March 5, 2026
My sincerest condolences and heartfelt prayers to Greg´s family. I was a teammate of his playing for Buck at DB and always enjoyed his big smile and quiet, but determined nature. Rest well my friend.
Tina Chiozza
March 5, 2026
I was so sorry to hear of Greg´s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with him at our Appeals Tribunal meetings over the years. He was highly respected, thoughtful, and a pleasure to work with. He will certainly be missed.
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