Freddie Frank Hickman

Freddie Frank Hickman, 91 years old U.S. Army Veteran of Bladenboro went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 6, 2025 while at Columbus Regional Medical Center in Whiteville, NC. 

A man of quiet strength and unwavering faith, Freddie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His life was a testament to the goodness of God, and he was an example to his family and community of what it truly meant to live as a Godly man.

Freddie was a gentle soul, yet strong and steadfast in all that he did. His heart and his arms were always open, ready to embrace anyone who needed a little extra love.

Nothing brought him greater joy than his family, who were the pride of his life. Each child and grandchild was individually precious to him in their own special way. He made sure each one knew he loved them, right until the very end.

A lifelong farmer, Freddie found deep fulfillment in working the land and caring for the animals he raised. His compassion extended even to the smallest of creatures, often hand-rearing calves who had lost their mothers and forming such a bond that they remained on the farm for years. Some of his happiest moments were spent on his tractor, tending to his fields and nurturing the earth. He had a special gift for gardening, especially growing watermelons, which he took great joy in sharing with his grandchildren.

Freddie was a faithful member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church for his entire life, serving proudly as a deacon and dedicating himself to the ministry of his church family. One of his greatest joys was ensuring that no one was left out of worship. When the first camcorders became available, he began recording every Sunday service, making copies and delivering them to those in the community who were unable to attend. His quiet mission was simple but profound, he wanted everyone to know and love the Lord as he did.

Above all, Freddie loved his wife, Betty, with his whole heart, never missing an opportunity to proudly share how many years they had been blessed to walk through life together. Theirs was a love built on faith, devotion, and an unbreakable bond that served as an inspiration to all who knew them.

Freddie’s legacy of love, kindness, and faithfulness will live on in the hearts of his family and the many lives he touched. While we grieve his absence, we take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, welcomed into the arms of his Savior.

Though Freddie has left this earth, his love, his faith, and his gentle spirit will remain with us always.

Freddie was preceded in death by his parents, Waitus Hickman and Artie Brisson Hickman, and eight siblings, Waitus Hickman Jr., Roger Hickman, Wade Hickman, Doris Sherrill, Virgina Sawyer, Mary Lee Simmons, Josephine Carlyle and Eva King. He is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Betty Blanton Hickman of the home, their children, Debbie Stanley (Donald), Ricky Hickman (Vickie), Donald Hickman (Laura), and Paula Warwick (Rodney), one sister Carol Davis, nine grandchildren, Melissa Hudson, Ruby Davis, Sheila Tatum, Diana Robins, Daniel Stanley, Timothy Hickman, Kyle Hickman, Amber Avant, and Fran Bryan, and 15 great grandchildren, Brycen Blackmon, Jase Davis, Lexi Tatum, Aaron McCormack, Grace McCormack, Bonny Robins, Danny Robins, Maddy Robins, Landon Stanley, Jasmine Stanley, Dylan Stanley, Karleigh Hickman, Luke Avant, Rachel Brisson and Rayna Beck.

The family will receive friends from 2-3 pm on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Bladenboro. A funeral service will be held at 3 pm with the Reverend Jay Dorman, Reverend Charles Brust, and Reverend Bradley Tatum officiating. Services will conclude in the Hickory Grove Cemetery (across from church).