David Lynn Hicks

David was a man of keen intellect and dedicated ambition. His academic journey led him to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, for his undergraduate studies, followed by law school at Ohio State University. He began his distinguished legal career with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A move to Chicago saw him join Santa Fe Industries, the parent company of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. His career eventually brought him to Houston, where he served as General Counsel for Santa Fe Energy for over two decades. After a successful career, he retired in 2001.

Retirement for David meant playing as much golf as humanly possible. As a member of Pine Forest Country Club, he spent countless happy hours on the course. In 1999, he married the love of his life, Fran. Together, they embarked on a life filled with adventure and joy. Their travels were a whirl of wonderful destinations, with Italy’s vibrant cities and rich culture and Ireland’s lush landscapes holding special places in their hearts. Each journey was a new adventure in fine dining and fine wine, and they were especially delighted in seeking out Michelin Star restaurants wherever they roamed. David and Fran collected not just memories but friendships—wherever they went they made new friends, filling every trip with laughter, warmth, and storytelling. The world was their backyard, and every destination offered an invitation to savor, to celebrate, and to connect.

David and Fran transformed their home into a haven for celebration, where friends and family were always greeted with open arms, plenty of laughter, and delicious food. From spirited dinner parties featuring mouthwatering meals and carefully chosen wines to cozy Sunday brunches and festive holiday gatherings, their home buzzed with energy, warmth, and happiness. During one of their trips, they discovered the beautiful town of Highlands, North Carolina. They began spending summers there to escape the Houston heat and ultimately fell so in love with their "slice of heaven" that they made it their full-time home. They became members of First Presbyterian Church in Highlands, NC as well as Cullasaja Country Club, where they participated in many fun themed events.

David served on the Cullasaja Club Board for several years and also served as Chairman of Bylaws and Legal Committee during his board term.

David’s favorite spot was his office, which overlooked the 13th hole at Cullasaja Country Club, and the flower garden where Fran spent many of her days. When David wasn’t teeing off on the golf course or at a golf tournament, attending wine dinners or planning their next adventure abroad, he could be found immersed in a good book or tackling a crossword puzzle, savoring both the excitement of travel and the simple pleasures of home.

He is survived by his loving family: his sister, Kay Moe of Dunwoody, GA; nephew Scott Moe, his wife Alissa, and their children, Leif and Connor; niece Kristi Wells, her husband Josh, and their children, Abby and Liam; his father-in-law, John M. Good; and his brother-in-law, John B. Good and Mary Beth Archer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Franz and Helen Hicks, sister Patricia Hicks, mother-in-law Shirley Good, brother-in-law Mark Good and sister-in-law Kathy Wilson.

The love David and Fran shared was one for the ages. They often told each other they loved each other a “whole, whole, whole bunch” and “forever and ever and ever and ever.” David’s warm presence, sharp wit, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

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