Philip Hicky II

Philip Hicky II, of Forrest City, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, at the age of 83. A lifelong Arkansan, Phil was born on March 27, 1942, to DuPuy and Jimmy Hicky. He spent his entire life rooted in the community he loved, devoted to his family, and living at his lifelong home, Fleurland, where his enduring love of land, farming, and tradition shaped him. He was a direct descendant of Colonel Philip Hicky (1778–1859), a War of 1812 veteran, early Louisiana senator, and designer of the historic 18-star, 18-striped flag now housed in the Louisiana State Museum.

Phil graduated from Forrest City High School, where he was an impactful leader and athlete. He was a member of the legendary undefeated 1959 football team, made it to the State Championship finals in basketball, and lettered in track. These accomplishments earned him induction into the Forrest City Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018.

Phil attended the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, and later served as a member of its Board of Trustees. He graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law and was admitted to the Arkansas Bar in 1966. A 50-year member of the American Bar Association, he remained deeply engaged in the legal profession throughout his life. His service included many years on the Arkansas Supreme Court Committee on Rules of Civil Procedure and leadership within the St. Francis County Bar.

Practicing law for more than half a century, Phil began his career with E.J. Butler and later through various partnerships culminating in Phil Hicky Ltd. His practice focused on civil litigation, business transactions, agricultural law, probate, and estate planning. He represented individuals, families, local businesses, and major national companies with integrity, diligence, and sound judgment. Known for his thoughtful counsel, and unwavering commitment to doing what was right, Phil, affectionately known as "Lawyer" by his closest friends, was deeply respected by colleagues and clients alike.

As a faithful member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Phil served in numerous roles, including vestry member, Junior and Senior Warden, secretary, and treasurer. His faith quietly guided his life and shaped the way he treated others with humility, generosity, and kindness.

Farming was Phil's true passion. He was part of a multigenerational family legacy in agriculture, shaped by decades of farming and the cottonseed milling business. For Phil, it began in the peach orchards at Fleurland, where his love of the land continued through a lifetime of stewardship across multiple farming operations in East Arkansas. An avid outdoorsman and devoted duck hunter, Phil found as much joy in the preparation as in the hunt itself designing and building state-of-the-art duck blinds, preparing fields and levees, organizing decoys, and readying the land long before the actual hunt began. He cherished both the work and the camaraderie that came with time spent in the field alongside family and friends.

Above all, Phil's greatest devotion was to his family. A caring husband, wonderful father, and cherished grandfather, he is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, LuLynne Hicky; his son, Philip Hicky III, and wife, Wendy; his daughter, Lindsey Huttenbauer, and husband, Sam; and four grandchildren, who knew him as Big Phil and were a great source of joy and pride: Brenner Hicky, Porter Hicky, Samuel Huttenbauer IV, and Annabelle Huttenbauer. He is also survived by his sister, Maryanne Macdonald and her husband Don. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister, Martha Fogelman and her husband, Bobby.

Phil will be remembered for his dry wit, masterful storytelling, steady presence, thoughtful guidance, and deep commitment to his family, church, and community. He leaves behind a legacy of service, integrity, and compassion that will endure through the many lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 12, at 2pm, at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Forrest City. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd at 400 Hill Street, Forrest City, AR 72335, or to Mount Vernon Cemetery, P.O. Box 411, Forrest City, AR 72336. Visit online registry at stevensfuneralhome.net.