Govin Portor Hickman, 83, went home to be with his Lord in the early morning hours of Sunday (July 21, 2019) following an extended illness. Govin was born on January 6, 1936 in Kingsport, TN to the late Charles “Tobe” and Rosa (Gross) Hickman.
Govin was employed as a salesman with East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park for 27 years, and with Kingsport Press for 31 years, from which he retired in 1999.
Govin was of the Pentecostal faith and was a member of Christian Life Center of the Tri-Cities for 39 years. He was a much beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, neighbor, and friend.
In addition to his parents, Govin was preceded in death by four sisters, Leach Couch, Lois Ryans, Nannie Hickman, and infant sister, Alice Hickman; and one great-granddaughter, Emersyn Hickman.
Govin is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Wanda (Roberts) Hickman; beloved mother-in-law, Zella Roberts; brother, Jerry Hickman & wife Barbara; two sisters, Evelyn Arnold & husband John and Rita Hickman; two sons, Charles Hickman & wife Linda, and Tim Hickman & wife Krisanne; one daughter, Rosezella Tharp & husband Jayme; nine grandchildren, Andy Hickman & wife Alecia, Derenda Hickman, Sharlyn Pierce & husband Tyler, Spencer Hickman & wife Amber, Jami Marie Frazier & husband Barrett, Katelyn Tharp, Logan Tharp & wife Lexi, Holly Ward & husband Andy, and Hilary Helton; three great-grandchildren, MaKayla Ward, Peyton Ramsey, and Canaan Hickman (due in November)’ along with several nieces, nephews, brother-in-law’s, and sister-in-law’s.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday (July 23, 2019) from 5 to 7 p.m. at Christian Life Center of the Tri-Cities (2401 John B Dennis By-Pass Kingsport, TN). Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m. with Pastor Jeremy Damesworth officiating, son-in-law, Jayme Tharp delivering the eulogy, and Rev. James Greever and Rev. Eddie Johnson speaking.
Committal services will be held on Wednesday (July 24, 2019) at 11 a.m. in the Garden of Hope at East Lawn Memorial Park. Govin’s sons, grandsons, and brother Jerry Hickman will serve as pallbearers.
The family would like to extend a grateful thank you to the 5th floor nursing staff at Indian Path Medical Center for the loving and compassionate care they gave Govin during his stay.
Online condolences may be made to the Hickman family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the Hickman family.
