Thomas Hicks, Jr. March 9, 2019 Sergeant First Class Thomas “Pap” Hicks Jr. February 11, 1940 – March 9, 2019 Thomas “Pap” Hicks Jr. was born in Newport News, VA on February 11, 1940 to the late Thomas Hicks Sr. and Bernice O. Hicks. Residing in Harbor Homes (later to Buxton Avenue), his family attended Zion Baptist Church where Pap became a Boy Scout under the tutelage of Mr. Owens (Scout Master). Pap attended Dunbar Elementary and graduated from Huntington High School in 1958.
After graduating from High School, Pap was employed by Up-To-Date Pool Room and Mr. & Mrs. Perkin’s Shoe Shine Parlor in Newport News (25thStreet). Seeking to do more with his life, Pap decided to enlist in the United States Army in 1962. Pap proved to be a hard worker and leader in the Army and received numerous Commendations.
He was promoted to Sergeant First Class and retired from the United States Army in 1983. While serving in the Army, Pap married the late Ceola A. Evans in September 1978. Pap became a loving husband to Ceola and a devoted father to Ceola’s children from a previous marriage.
(Ceola silently passed away on March 1, 2019. ) While known to his siblings and close friends as “Pap” or “Sarge”, he was affectionately known as “Hicky” or Dad to the sons and daughters of Ceola. He willingly and without hesitation raised, as his own, Ceola’s 7 younger children that were in the home with her when they met 52 years ago.
He also reached out to her older children to offer them guidance and directions in their journey into adulthood. He was supportive in their day to day activities; the loudest voice at football, basketball and gymnastic events. He was a rare breed among men in today’s standards for men; towering above the standard of love, commitment and responsibility that all men should aim for.
In the waning days and hours of his life, it was evident that those attributes had not diminished but were on full display. Some of his final words were “y’all were the center of my life and my greatness pride, I love y’all and take care of those who still need a little help standing on their own”. He completed what we should all do; He gave his life to Jesus and was baptized in his name two days prior to his passing.
Pap leaves behind 3 sisters: Ethel Broadnax of Hampton, VA, Mary Davis and Deborah Christian of Maryland; 5 brothers: Cornelius Hicks and Douglas Persons of Hampton, VA, Kenneth Hicks of Newport News, VA, Tyrone Christian of Richmond, VA and William Christian Jr of New York. Pap was preceded in death by 2 brothers: Edward Hicks of Newport News, VA and Daniel Hicks of Hampton, VA; and 1 nephew: James Broadnax of Hampton, VA. Pap’s memories will also be cherished by his four daughters: Linda Evans, Terri L. Palmer, Bertha Fox and Coretta A. Evans; Six Sons: Cal Abner, Theophilus Abner, Hal Abner, Alvin Evans Robert Evans and Gary Evans.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Mary Abner. He also leaves behind a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and family and friends. The viewing will be held 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 2019 at Cooke Bros.
With the Home Going service 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 2019 at the Cooke Bros. Chapel. Interment to follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens.
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