John Hicks

John Hicks of Bunkerhill, IN passed away on September 30, 2020 at home after a long illness. John was born in Baltimore, MD on July 14,1948 to Johnny Ray and Peggy Pemberton Hicks. He was raised by his beloved grandparents Esau and Rosie Pemberton in Morgan and Scott Counties, Tennessee. No matter where he lived, Tennessee was always home.

John had several hobbies during his lifetime. One of which included tinkering and fixings things that others had given up on. Other people’s trash was truly his treasure! Additionally, he was an avid gun and knife collector who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also a music enthusiast who had a particular fondness for classic country and rockabilly. He shared this passion for all things music with his grandson, Jordan, and daughter, Teresa.

John considered himself a jack of all trades and worked a variety of jobs during his life. This included construction, installing commercial glass windows and operating heavy equipment, to name a few. 

In recent years, John could often be found talking on the phone with his granddaughter, Natasha. We know he will be present at her graduation ceremony later this year; smiling with pride and hollering his joy.

John was a true people person and never met a stranger. He would give someone his last dollar and was always willing to help friends and strangers alike. He loved his family greatly and eagerly looked forward to visiting Tennessee for family reunions and holidays. His larger than life personality will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, in the home, and his daughter Teresa Hicks Freytag (Timothy) of Helenwood, TN; as well as grandchildren Jordan (Jami), Eric, Natasha and Courtney (Preston) and one great grandchild all of Tennessee.  Also surviving are his twin sister Joan Dorneman (Art) of Kokomo, IN and sisters Texann Loggins of Chatsworth, GA and Clara Tanner (Johnny) of Autryville, NC; as well as a brother David Gibson (Donna) of Sunbright, TN.  Also, mother-in-law Carol Wager of Holly Springs, NC, sister-in-law Suzanne Wager Ryan of Holly Springs, NC, and brother-in-law Richard Wager(Jackie) of Milton, DE; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, daughter, Lisa Hicks, of Sunbright, TN, his brother Allen Gibson of Autryville, NC,  as well as a brother-in-law, Jackie Loggins, of Chatsworth, GA.

Shortly after John’s death his brother David unexpectedly passed away also. They were best buddies in life and will be laid to rest next to each other. A joint graveside service will be held at Daniel Memorial Cemetery, 235 Main St, Helenwood, TN on April 24 @ 11am with a celebration of life afterwards at Oneida City Park, Oneida, TN. Casual dress is requested.

In keeping with John’s love of nature and the animals that live there please consider making a donation to The National Park Foundation (https://www.nationalparks.org) in lieu of flowers.

With the Health Guidelines in place at this time, we ask that you be mindful of the social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Masks are required.

West-Murley Funeral Home is serving the family of John Hicks.

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