William "Richard" Hicks

William “Richard” Hicks born to Niles and Esther Hicks in Gaffney, SC on May 23, 1941, left us to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 26, 2017. His family later moved to Warner Robins, GA and he graduated from Warner Robins High School. While studying electrical engineering at Georgia Tech. he was inspired by President John F. Kennedy and joined the Peace Corps. He served in Afghanistan living with the Afghan people, setting up their first Post Office and designing their first postage stamp. Richard was called to duty and served as a Warrant Officer in Vietnam as a Helicopter Pilot. Shot down three times, Richard was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Returning home, Richard engaged in a career as an Air Traffic Controller and afterward he worked as a Process Chemist Tech. with Jacksonville Electric Authority where he retired. His memory will forever be treasured by his loving wife, Louise; son, Richard (Dawn); grandchildren, Deana (Jerry), Randall, James (Courtney), Lisa Marie (Matt); four great-grandchildren, Alex, Sutton, Taylor and Oden; sister, Donna Adams; step son, Gene Bergeron; step daughter and son-in-law, Renée and Dane Harris. Richard was a very wise, kind, caring and humble man who loved his wife, Louise, family and friends. He was happy spending time with them, enjoyed traveling, working in the yard, teasing those he loved. He was fun to be with. He had a passion for amateur (ham) radio since he was a teenager, and won many distinguished awards, including DXCC #1. Richard had many adventures that most never experience. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.