Mr. Ray Halmer Hickman, 96, went home to be with his Lord on March 19, 2017 at Maury Regional Medical Center. He was known by many names: Ray, Halmer, Buddy, Daddy, Granddaddy, and Uncle Bud.
A celebration of Life for Mr. Hickman will be conducted on Wednesday at 2PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Reverend Chip Hunter and Reverend Frank Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Prayer at Polk Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends and family on Tuesday from 4-8PM and again on Wednesday from 1-2PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mr. Hickman was born in Kodak, TN, Sevier County on September 16, 1920. He was the son of the late Emert Herman Hickman and the late Sue Catherine Russell Hickman. He was preceded in death by his wife Fern Hodges Hickman, son Blaik Halmer Hickman, and four brothers and sisters.
Mr. Hickman was educated in the Sevier County Public Schools and graduated from Hiwassee College, Carson Newman University and attended the University of Virginia. He served his country during World War II as a 1st Sergeant in the Army from 1942-1946. Before leaving for Europe he married the love of his life, Fern, on May 25, 1944. Upon returning to the states he was a teacher and principal in the Knox County Public Schools.
In 1949 he and his family moved to Nashville to begin his career with the United States Postal Service in the Railway Transportation Service. In 1958, he was transferred to the Regional Office in Memphis, TN. After a 30 year career he retired as the Marketing Director for the South East Region in 1976.
He and Fern enjoyed retirement while volunteering and offering many services for their church and community in Memphis. He also enjoyed traveling and organizing reunions with his WWII Army buddies of the 137th Ordnance Company.
In 1985, he and Fern moved to Columbia, TN and enjoyed a full active life as a member of the First United Methodist Church. He served on the Administrative Council and many committees for the church. He also served on the Board of the Kings Daughter’s School.
Mr. Hickman is survived by his son Frick (Pam) Hickman of Columbia, daughter-in-law Fran Hickman, six grandchildren: Amy (Brian) Pruitt, Whitney (Todd) Overby, Sarah (Patrick) Farrell, Zachary Hickman, Andrew (Blair) Hickman, and Daniel Hickman, and six great grandchildren: Sam, Charlie, Stella, Mary Hayes Pruitt, Parkes Hickman, and Quinn Overby. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be: Andrew Hickman, Daniel Hickman, Brian Pruitt, Patrick Farrell, Dr. Todd Overby, and Gary May. Honorary pallbearers will include: Ayers Whitney/Fellowship Sunday School Class and devoted members of Fresenius Medical Care (Peritoneal Dialysis Unit.) Special thanks to Dr. Cheryl Clayton and Mark Holley.
Memorials may be sent to Columbia First United Methodist Church, 222 W. 7th Street, Columbia, TN or the charity of your choice.
