Csm William Homer Hicks

Make a hole and make it wide!" No doubt those were the words William "Bill" Hicks called out as he marched through the pearly gates of heaven on February 24, 2025. His presence was never small, his spirit never quiet, and his love never unnoticed. He filled every room with laughter and the kind of warmth that only comes from a life well-lived and a heart well-loved. Born on July 16, 1946 to the late James Byron Hicks and Virginia Pickle Hicks, Bill was a man of unwavering strength, deep wisdom, and endless humor. A proud and decorated veteran, he bravely served his country in Vietnam, Korea, Grenada, and Desert Storm, carrying with him both the sacrifices and the pride of a soldier. Throughout his military career, he earned the respect of those who served alongside him, rising to the esteemed rank of Command Sergeant Major (CSM). His service was not just a duty, but it was a testament to his courage, loyalty, and unshakable commitment to his country and his comrades. But beyond his service, he was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, a brother, an uncle, and a friend—a man who left an imprint on everyone lucky enough to know him. To know Bill was to laugh. His jokes, sometimes inappropriate, were a signature of who he was. He was unapologetically himself and always keeping people on their toes. He had a mind like an encyclopedia, as his beloved wife Kathryn would say. He found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved singing and music that made you feel something, dancing that let you forget everything, and the sand beneath his feet at the beach, where the world felt peaceful. Bill is preceded in death by his daughter, Lori Hicks; his nephew, Cecil Quinichette; and his niece, Ginger Hampton. He leaves behind the love of his life, his "Kakes," Kathryn Hicks, who stood by his side through every season of life; his sisters, Audrey "Bangi" Quinichett and Barbara Hampton; his brother, Thomas Hicks (Glenda Hicks); his sister-in-laws, Debra Mccarl (Darrel Mccarl) and Judith Di'domenico; his nieces, Andrea "Panda" Quinichette, Ginger Hampton, Stacey Sanchez-Hicks, and Dayna Hicks; and his great-nephews, Trevyon Jackson, Paulyx Kent, and William James Hampton (Rowena Hampton). Bill is also survived by his children, Aron Hicks and Tammy Drakeford (Melvin Drakeford); his grandchildren, Zachary Ross Hicks, Jordan Marie Hicks, Candice Drakeford, and Shayla Drakeford. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Sylas Jackson and Summer Jackson, who will grow up knowing their great grandfather was a man who made the world brighter just by being in it. Bill Hicks was larger than life, not because of what he accomplished, but because of how he made people feel. He was laughter in the silence, wisdom in the chaos, and love in its purest form. And as he takes his final journey, surrounded by those who went before him, we know he's making his presence known. Once more, "Make a hole and make it wide!"