Roy Ackies Hicks, 84, of Leesburg , Florida, passed on July 29, 2023. The son of late William "Bud" Dalton Hicks and Minnie Ellen (Locke) Hicks, born on May 28, 1940 in Okeechobee, FL.
Roy is survived by his wife, Betty Jean (Hubbard)Hicks, his children, Kenneth "Buddy" Hicks, Karen Hicks-Kropp(Kris), David Hicks(Kristina), Kimberly Stevens(Chris), Joe Hicks(Audrey), Kristina Summers(Michael), many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and sister, Artie Conley(Kelly).
He is preceded in death by his daughter, Catherine "Missy" Roberts, his father William "Bud" Dalton Hicks and his mother, Minnie Ellen (Locke) Hicks, sister, Jerutha "Midget" Hicks, brother, William "PeeWee" Hicks, and brother, John "JD" Hicks.
Roy enlisted in the United States Navy in May 1958 as an ABE, Aviation Boatswains mate Equipment, and honorably retired in October 1982 as a Cheif Petty Officer after over 24 years of faithful service. He served on many aircraft carriers during the Vietnam War including the USS Forrestal during the fire of 1967. After serving in the US Navy, Roy went on to retire from the Lake County Sherriff's office after 14 years of faithful service.
He loved to reminisce of the adventures he experienced and he could tell the most captivating stories. He was a great man, tough and stubborn as an ox and he will be greatly missed.
FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS
The Hicks family invite you to join us to celebrate a life well lived. We will announce the arrangements at a future date.
Guestbook
We in the USS Forrestal Association just learned of the passing of Chief Hicks and send our sympathies to Mrs. Betty Hicks and his family at this trying time. Chief Hicks was with us aboard USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in the Tonkin Gulf off the coast of North Vietnam in July 1967 when we suffered what the U.S. Navy still considers their worst Maritime Disaster since World War 2. We lost 134 men on 29 July 1967 and dozens more were injured. It is so ironic to we who were Chief Hicks' Shipmates at that time to learn he passed EXACTLY 56 later to the day, but he is now reunited with his 134 Shipmates who perished at that time. Rest in Peace, Shipmate Hicks. We have the watch and wish Fair Winds and Following Seas for you into eternity. Brad Jones (on behalf of the members of USS Forrestal Association) Secretary/Treasurer, USS Forrestal Association, Inc.
I’m So sorry for the loss of Roy, husband and father. Praying for your peace and comfort. Love you guys❤️❤️
Nancy Schmidt sends their condolences.
Audrey planted a tree for Roy.