Gabriel Allen "Gabe" Hicks

Gabriel Allen "Gabe" Hicks, 69, of Chesterfield, loving husband, father and retired football coach of Midlothian High and Matoaca High Schools, passed away peacefully at home on May 21, 2010. He was born in Woodford, Va. He was the oldest of four boys. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Joan Sweeney Hicks; son, Gabriel "Chip" Hicks Jr. (Denise) of Raleigh, N.C.; daughter, Kimberley Wiseman (Tim) of Chesterfield; son, Michael Hicks of Richmond; his father, Andrew "Sonny" Hicks Jr. of Stafford County; three brothers, Tate Hicks of Caroline County, Wes "BB" Hicks of Richmond and Andy "Ezzie" Hicks 111 of Stafford County; grandchildren, Scotty, Zach and Storm Wiseman, Drew, Kate and Ava Hicks; step grandchildren, Casey and Taylor Manning. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Purks Hicks.

Gabe was a 1959 graduate of Caroline High School in Caroline County. He received his B.S. degree from Lynchburg College and Master's from the University of Tennessee. Gabe taught and coached for 36 years in Chesterfield County Schools. He became the head football coach at Midlothian High School and later at Matoaca High School. He loved football and helped many young men obtain scholarships to college. He enjoyed being a great "Poppy" to his grandchildren. After retirement, Gabe loved to fish and was never happier than when reeling in the big fish with his buddies.

Friends are invited to meet with the family on Sunday, May 23, 2010, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Woody Funeral Home-Huguenot Chapel, 1020 Huguenot Road. Services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Chester Baptist Church, 4317 School Street, Chester, Va. Interment at Round Oak Baptist Church Cemetery, Caroline County, 15025 Pepmeier Hill Rd., Woodford, Va. Online condolences: woodyfuneralhomehuguenot.com