Harold E. Hicks

Harold Eugene Hicks received his greatest promotion to be with our Lord and Savior on August 10th at the celebrated age of 101. He lived an incredible life, surrounded by family and friends that he amassed over his 101 years. Harold lit up every room he entered. He truly loved life, people, travel, new experiences and his beloved Golden Isles. Harold’s legacy includes 4 children, 2 step children, 17 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

Harold was born January 20, 1919 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Julius and Della Beebe Hicks. As a young man he played the trombone, loved the piano, rode his Harley Davidson, and was an Eagle Scout. He was very intelligent and a wizard at almost everything, graduating two years early from High School and then going on to graduate from the University of Minnesota with a Chemical Engineering Degree. During his senior year, Harold met his soon to be wife, Ruth Esther Nelson, through a serendipitous set up by his older sister, which led to an incredible life together and 4 beautiful children.

Harold had a very distinguished career in the Army. He joined the ROTC program at the University of Minnesota and received his reserve officer commission in 1941 as 2nd Lieutenant 62nd Army Coast Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment to Long Island, NY and was called to active duty. His unit deployed in 1942 participating in campaigns in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany. He assisted in the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp. He received numerous awards for his military service including several campaign ribbons, bronze stars, and the French Legion of Honor. When WWII was over, he returned home ever so grateful to be alive. He left the Army as a Major returning to his research at Hercules.

Harold went on to have an incredible professional career. He worked for Hercules Powder Company from 1941-1981. Rising through the ranks from Research Chemist to Plant Manager. He held the position of Plant Manager in Chicopee, MA; Franklin, VA; Brunswick, GA; Louisiana, MO; and Lahore, Pakistan. He was awarded the Jaycee’s Boss of the year, as the Brunswick Plant Manager. In addition to his work at Hercules, Harold served as a Director for several institutions including the Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Salvation Army, and the First National Bank of Brunswick. His civic involvement also included Kiwanis and Rotary of Brunswick, the Georgia Business and Industry Association, and special council to then Governor Jimmy Carter. Harold was active with the Boy Scouts of America, First Methodist Church, St. Andrews Episcopal Church Darien and in 1975 he served as Council President for the US Navy League in Brunswick, GA. Harold retired to St. Simon’s Island, GA in 1981, however he continued his passion for community and lifelong learning. For many years, Harold and Virginia ran The Book Shop on New Castle in Brunswick and in Darien.

Harold loved to share life experiences, never met a stranger, and always had a kind word of encouragement. He was eternally grateful to his personal God of Love, Christ of Mercy, and Holy Spirit of Fellowship. He started often with “I am a blessed man” and ended with “God willing.” Spoken by a true friend, “Harold is more alive today than ever before.”

He’ll especially be remembered for his lemon meringue pie and sharing his daily medicine (aka ice cream) with his grandchildren.

Harold was married to Ruth Esther Nelson (1941-1989) and had 4 children: Barbara Young (Danny) of Auburn, KY; Charlotte Silvia (Thomas) of Plymouth, MA; David Hicks (Mary) of St. Simon’s, GA; and Douglas Hicks (Susan Schonfeld) of Minneapolis, MN.

Following Ruth’s passing, Harold married Virginia Calvin Hobson (1990-2010) and had 2 step children: Virginia “Ginger” Hodges (Bill) of St. Simon’s Island, GA and John Hobson (Susan) of Hartwell, GA.

Beverly Bittinger of St. Simon’s Island, GA has been Harold’s very special love for the past 10 years sharing a love of music, travel, and life.

Harold touched so many lives and his legacy will live on through his family, friends, and the amazing memories that we all have been lucky to experience with him over his incredible life.

A future Golden Isles Memorial Celebration for Harold will be announced later. Harold will be interrned in Acacia Park, Minneapolis, MN. Condolences may be mailed to The Hicks Family, 121 Kiln Trail, St. Simon’s Island, GA 31522 or ([email protected]). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Magnolia Manor of St. Simon’s Island, 100 Heritage Drive, St. Simon’s Island, GA 31522.

Edo Miller and Sons is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the register book and leave condolences for the family at www.edomillerandsons.com