William Hickman

William Hickman, 82, passed away peacefully October 19, 2025, in Sarasota, FL surrounded by his loving family. A captain of industry and a devoted family man, William leaves behind a legacy of innovation, generosity, and unwavering commitment to his family and community.
William was born March 8, 1943, in St. Louis, MO, the son of William and Ann (Keaton) Hickman. William earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from St. Louis University in 1965 and began his long career with Anheuser-Busch as a research chemist in the St. Louis brewery. His responsibilities shifted to operations and quality control beginning in 1968 working in the St. Louis, MO, Newark, NJ and Jacksonville, FL breweries before being named Plant Manager of the Columbus, OH brewery in 1980. William also served as Plant Manager of the Williamsburg VA brewery in 1989. He was ultimately appointed as an officer of Anheuser-Busch in 1992 and promoted to the role of Vice President of Plant Operations. A firm believer in education and personal development, he completed his master's degree in human resources and management at Webster University in 1997.
William was active in many civic and charitable organizations to include the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, the Columbus Urban league, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the National Society to Prevent Blindness, the Industrial Association of Central Ohio, the Boy Scouts of America, the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, Goodwill, Ohio Dominican College and the United Way.
In 1965 William married his sweetheart Patricia Hickman who passed in 2023. He often said that his favorite memory was his wedding day. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in November of this year. William was a devoted husband, father and grandfather that enjoyed family time. He also was an avid golfer and was a member of Double Eagle Golf Club, Brookside Country Club, The Golf Club and Palm-Aire Country Club.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by a son, William Charles Hickman. Surviving are his daughters Kimberly Hickman and her partner Wendy Blosser of Queen Creek, AZ; Lisa (Hickman) Kanney and her husband David of Indian Land, SC; three grandchildren, Bradley Kanney, Mathew Kanney and Andrew Kanney.
A private service of remembrance will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in William's memory to: The Tidewell Hospice House: www.tidewellfoundation.org
.