Dr. H. David Hickey Jr.

Dr. H. David Hickey, Jr. died unexpectedly of natural causes in Memphis, TN, on January 22, 2026.

David was born on April 14, 1940, in Chattanooga, TN. He graduated high school from The McCallie School where he was Regimental Commander. David completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Vanderbilt University and was a cheerleader and a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He earned his medical degree from The University of Tennessee and was a member of Phi Chi Medical Fraternity.

David began his medical career at Methodist Hospital and was voted Outstanding Intern. After completing his internship and one year of General Surgery residency, he entered the U.S. Navy as a medical officer. During this time, David served as Ship's Medical Officer aboard the USS Okinawa, stationed off the coast of Vietnam. He continued his naval service at Naval Medical Center San Diego where he oversaw the outpatient clinic for military dependents and retirees. David was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, and his military decorations included the Navy Commendation Medal.

David returned to Memphis in 1970, and after completing a three-year residency in Urology at the University of Tennessee, he entered private practice with Drs. Watkins and Deaton. Certified by the American Board of Urology and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, he was in private practice as a Urologist for 40 years. David was a Clinical Instructor in the University of Tennessee's Department of Urology, past president and past chief of staff of Methodist Medical Staff, and a founding member of The Conrad Pearson Clinic. David was a member of The Memphis Medical Society, Tennessee Medical Association, and The American Urological Association.

After retirement in 2012, David volunteered weekly for 13 years as a Urologist at Church Health, a faith-based provider of medical care to Memphis' uninsured working population. He was also actively involved with Church Health's Family Medicine residency program, counseling residents and contributing to the next generation of doctors. David was respected and trusted by his patients, staff, and peers, and he embraced his role as mentor to medical interns, residents, and Church Health Scholars. He had a warm, calming demeanor and was a professional who took work seriously but did not take himself too seriously.

David attended Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church for more than 55 years and was a member of the vestry and a past senior warden. Additionally, he was a member of the Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal School Board of Trustees and a former chair of the board. David was an avid reader and enjoyed hunting, backpacking with the Gray Eagles, hiking the trails of Sewanee, biking, and swimming. He was a member of The University Club of Memphis and looked forward to his weekly visits with the PIPs and ROSES.

Known for his quick wit, David always had a joke to share. He was a legendary storyteller and a caring friend described as fun, happy, and always a true gentleman. Most importantly, David was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who relished time with his family. His family was his priority and his greatest source of pride. He hugged them every time they were together and never forgot to say, "I love you."

David is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sidney Easley Hickey; daughter, Kacey Hickey Davies; son, Jon-Paul Hickey, and daughter-in-law, Kathryn Pitts Hickey; and three grandchildren, Caitlin Davies, Garrison Hickey, and Nora Grace Hickey. David was predeceased in death by his parents, Dr. Homer David Hickey and Marguerite Bacon Hickey, and his son-in-law, Rear Admiral Brian Davies, USN.

A memorial service will be held at his home parish of Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Memphis, TN, on February 7, at 1 p.m. followed immediately by a reception at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church or Church Health.