Willie Hicks

Willie Pearl Hicks was born in Newbern, Alabama on March 5, 1943. Willie was the first boy, and the second of 9 children total. In 1956, after working and saving up, Willie relocated to New Jersey and attended Eastside High School where he worked as a glass shaper and produce manager. In 1968, with no intentions of doing so, Willie joined the army and soon found a profound love for it. He first worked as a quarry operator, but, of course, he couldn’t stop there. He was a natural born leader. He quickly moved his way up to being a Sergeant. He traveled all over to places like Korea, being his favorite, and he even spoke a couple of different languages because of his traveling experiences. However, his love for the army was short-lived. After his time had been done and he was asked to renew it, he chose not to do so. Willie instead prioritized his duty of taking care of his children and later started working at Ford Motor Company, where he eventually retired. Willie will continue to be remembered for being the face of manhood. He will be remembered for being THE best father anyone could ask for, THE best dressed, always in a pair of shoes, the one to drive all of the fancy Cadillacs, and most importantly, the one to forever put his love of others before his love of self. Today, Willie is preceded in death by his mother, Mattie Hicks-Underwood, father, Fred Hicks, sister, Debrah Underwood, brothers, Ronald Underwood and Claude Tigney and daughter, Denise Lynn Sisco-Boisseau. He leaves to cherish his memory, his siblings, Dorothy Mcmillon, Frances Hicks, Larry Hicks, Cynthia Underwood, and Kristine Washington, his children, Kimberly and Kelly Epps, Erica Hicks, and Jaquayah Williams, and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.