Raphard Ellis Hickox

Raphard Ellis Hickox was born on April 1, 1939 in Saint George, Georgia to Ellis Gipbson Hickox and Ruby Lee (Parmenter) Hickox. He spent most of his life in Jacksonville, Florida. Raphard was the second oldest of four children and the only boy. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home with family on December 28, 2022.

One of his fondest childhood memories was during one summer at Aunt Mamie’s where he was able to help Cousin Judy overcome her fear of going to school by accompanying her on the first day. He always told the story with such delight as he reminisced on the adventure, he had that day trying not to be discovered by the adults since he was not a student at the school.

In his teens, he met his first love, Mary Ann Barker, at “The Frosty” where she worked. They married on June 7, 1958. After several years of marriage, they were blessed with the birth of a baby girl on June 29, 1964. They named her Brenda Ann Hickox. Twenty-four years later she gifted her parents with their first and only grandchild; (Lil) Raphard Noah Hickox-Moody. Lil Raphard became the apple of their eye spending lots of time with both of his grandparents. Big Raphard was extremely proud of his grandson for the man he grew up to be. He looked forward to the day he could raise Lil Raphard up into the Masons.

In 1957, Mary Ann’s brother-in-law, N.S. Crawford, helped Raphard start his long career with the City of Jacksonville’s Parks and Recreations. Raphard and N.S. Crawford became extremely close and started a tree removal business together in their spare time. He also worked at the shipyard alongside his father, uncle, and brothers-in-law as boiler makers. Raphard worked for the City of Jacksonville until his retirement as Superintendent of Parks and Recreations. After retiring, he spent many years traveling and installing playground equipment all over the southeast of the United States.

Many people are only blessed with finding one love in a lifetime, but Raphard was lucky enough to fall in love twice. After his first marriage, he met Jane Hodges at work. What started out as a friendship, later blossomed into more. Raphard and Jane were married in 1973. Years later they built their dream home together in Saint Augustine, Florida off the Saint Johns River where they both resided until their departures from earth. Raphard loved spending time on his boat, fishing, and hunting. He was extremely passionate about being a Free Mason and helping in his lodge. Raphard Ellis Hickox was twice past Master of Cabul Lodge 116.

He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Ann Hickox-Henderson; his grandson and wife, Raphard Noah and JoAnn Hickox-Moody. He is also survived by his second wife’s (Jane Hodges) daughter, Brenda Gayle Dooley; granddaughter, Lyndsay Dooley; sons, Chip and Brian Hodges; grandson, David Hodges and other extended family.

He is predeceased by his mother and father; his sisters, Mary Lee, Irma Lee and Annette; his first wife, Mary Ann; son-in-law, Joseph L. Henderson Jr; his second wife, Jane; Jane’s grandson, Christopher Streett; and son-in-law, Ralph Edward Dooley; along with many other extended family members and friends.

The family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Monday, January 2, 2023 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel.  Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel and burial will follow in Orangedale Cemetery.