Kenneth Hicks

Kenneth Earl "Kenny" Hicks, better known as "Poppa", a devoted family man and an emblem of joy in his community, passed away on January 15, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy woven into the very fabric of cotton fields, family gatherings, and the melodies of life that he cherished deeply. A passionate cotton farmer, Kenny dedicated his heart and soul to the land, earning accolades for his hard work and commitment to the art of farming; several farms he worked for proudly bestowed upon him the honor of Cotton Farmer of the Year. His adventurous spirit didn’t stop with cotton—he also immersed himself in the world of hog and catfish farming in Browns, Alabama, where the balance of nature and nurture came alive.

But it was not simply the bounty of the harvest that defined Kenny. He found great joy in passing on his knowledge, particularly in the last six months of his working life, when he had the pleasure of learning HVAC systems with his beloved grandson. This bond, forged in the workshop and atop the fields, is a testament to his devotion to family, where he poured not only his skill but also his heart.

To witness Kenny Hicks at a family gathering was to witness pure vibrancy. His entrance would herald an explosion of laughter and warmth; parties became celebrations with his infectious spirit and undeniable charisma. No event was complete without Kenny, whose laughter echoed long after he had arrived. He would crash into any gathering of children or grandchildren, seamlessly taking on the role of the life of the party, drawing everyone in with a sparkle in his eye and a story ready to tell.

A lover of music, Kenny found solace and joy in the strum of guitar strings and the rhythm of song. Whether he was picking and grinning with loved ones or dancing to the tunes that filled the air, he exuded an exuberance that inspired others to join in. With an innate talent for music, any stringed instrument could easily become a vessel for his creativity, leading to evenings filled with laughter and song.

Beyond farming and music, Kenny was an extraordinary mechanic with a knack for problem-solving that left those around him in awe. His amazing skills brought machines back to life, embodying the same love and care he had for his family and land. Yet, perhaps most notable was his love of horses; riding through the fields, he found a freedom that resonated with his very soul.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Christy Thompson; parents, James Robert Hicks and Frances Earline Hicks and sister, Martha Katherine Hicks; brother-in-law, Bill Sexton.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kay Solomon Hicks; children, Fran (Lee) Wilson, Pam (Donnie) Nevin, Heath (Jennifer) Stephens; grandchildren, Kacey (Austin) Weekley, Morgan (Jeffery) Allday, Ethan Wilson, Tyler Nevin, Madison (Shawn) Olszewski, Evynn Wilson (Austin Moore) and Seth Paxton; great-grandchildren, Marie, Sarah, McKenzie, Barrett, Jasper, Brennan and Kaison; siblings, Betty (Raymond) Elliott, Nancy (Leroy) Cole and Lisa Sexton and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Kenny’s heart was as vast as the fields he tended; he cherished every moment spent with family, nurturing connections that would echo through generations. As we reflect on his life, we remember a man whose laughter could light up a room, whose hands could craft miracles, and whose heart always expanded to welcome those he loved. In the memories he created and the smiles he left behind, Kenny Hicks will forever resonate, a melody that lingers in the hearts of many.

A celebration of his life will be Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel of Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home with Rev. Leroy Cole officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 3:00 p.m., prior to the service. He will be laid to rest at a private service at New Live Oak Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Donnie Nevin, Lee Wilson, Heath Stephens, Austin Weekley, Jeffery Allday, Seth Paxton, Tyler Nevin, Ethan Wilson. Honorary pallbearers will be Melvin Lester, Buc Shaw, Mike "Rat" Radford, David "Nehi" Jackson, Donnie Sheehan and Jimbo Mitchell.