John Eldon Hickinbotham

HICKINBOTHAM, John Eldon, 90, who was born December 19, 1918, in Utica, Ohio, passed away peacefully May 14, 2009, at the home of his daughter, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Geneva (Jean) Hickinbotham. John is survived by his children, son, John (Jackie) Hickinbotham of Lilburn, Ga., son, Harrison (Sharon) Hickinbotham of Tampa, daughter, Judy (Jerry) McKinney of Tampa, and daughter, Pam (Buck) Hill of Clarkesville, Ga.; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. John was a veteran of World War II. His family moved to Tampa in 1956. He worked for Heidt and Associates for 31 years. He had been an avid bowler since the 1930' s and was a member of the Tampa Bowling Association until his retirement from bowling in 2008. He enjoyed country music, reading, and rooting for his favorite teams, the Yankees and Lakers. He was a quiet man who told a lot of corny jokes. He will be missed by his family members and friends. Pallbearers are to be his grandsons, Jared McKinney, Judson Hickinbotham, Kevin Hickinbotham, Harrison Hickinbotham and David Hill; and son-in-law, Buck Hill. Honorary pallbearers are to be his sons, John Hickinbotham and Harrison (Harry) Hickinbotham; son-in-law, Jerry McKinney and nephew, David McCutcheon. A funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 17, 2009, at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Homes, 2323 West Brandon Blvd., Brandon, Fla. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the service time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to LifePath Hospice, 12973 Telecom Parkway, Suite 100, Temple Terrace, FL 33637 Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home