Samuel Taylor Hickey

Samuel Taylor Hickey (Sam) passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in the arms of his beloved wife on August 30, 2025.

Sam was born in Dallas, Texas on January 5, 1964. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Shelly Johnson Hickey; children Taylor Hickey, Dalton Hickey (Brandy), Samantha Hickey (Alan), Charlee Hickey (Mac); as well as Amy Jones and Hollye Doyle, whom he loved like his own.

He leaves behind 3 grandsons, Kashtyn Hickey, Cason Hickey, and Brentley Jones; along with numerous kiddos who lovingly called him Poppy.

He is also survived by his parents, Charles and Carolyn Hickey; his brother, Charles Hickey, Jr (Denise); his cousin, Bridgett Worley (Donald); his maternal grandfather, Edward Pratt, Jr., his mother and father in law, Robert and Linda Johnson; and his sister and brother in law Bill, and Traci Thomas; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Sam leaves behind friends, who to him were family; too numerous to mention.

Sam was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Sam and Jewell Hickey; his maternal grandmother, Billie Pratt; his aunt, Diana Wyatt and uncle, Edward T Pratt, lll.

Sam was a proud member of the Palo Pinto County Sheriff's Posse, where he cultivated many lasting friendships. He loved to be on the back of a horse. He could ride for hours and made many happy memories riding with his friends and fellow Posse members. On the water is where Sam found true peace. He loved to pull his kids and grandkids on a tube behind his boat. He was never happier than when he was sailing across the water at Possum Kingdom Lake listening to his beloved Yacht Rock. He had a gift for telling a story. He had an incredible memory and could recall many adventures from his childhood with great detail. He loved to talk and to make friends from all walks of life. He began working in his family's Dairy Queen when he was 14 years old. He continued there until 1986 when he helped his parents open Golden Fried Chicken. In 1991, he left Mineral Wells and started a career with Catfish King restaurants. He ran several stores and quickly became an area manager. In 2003, his parents retired and he had the opportunity to come home and take over the family business. This is where he thrived. He and Shelly continued to operate Hickey's Dairy Queen and in 2024, they knew they had outgrown their location. Sam had a dream, to build a new store bigger and better so his children would have the tools they needed to succeed and carry on the incredible legacy he had built. In January of 2025 he opened the doors to that dream. He left his children more than a new building. He left them with everything they need inside of them to succeed. He loved big. If he loved you knew it. He told everyone, "I love you, " and he meant it. His children will all tell you the greatest gift he gave them was growing up watching the way he loved and cherished their mother. Shelly was the center of Sam's world and he loved her well. He was the greatest example of generosity and acceptance. He helped so many throughout his time on this Earth, always willing to give anyone a hand up. Sam will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him. He was pure happiness and love.

Visitation: 6 to 8 p. m., Saturday, September 6, 2025 at White’s Funeral Home Chapel in Mineral Wells, Texas.

Celebration Of Life: Sunday, September 21, 2025, starting at 3:00 p.m. at Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Posse.