Billy Royce Hicks, age 87 of New Tazewell. He was born September 23, 1936, in Leon, Oklahoma; Billy gained his heavenly wings after a short illness on May 14, 2024; with his beloved wife and stepdaughter at his bedside at UT Hospital. Billy was saved at the age of 13; grew up in Oklahoma, later joined the Army, at the age of 18; served 4 years active duty and served in the reserves for several years. He retired from Ford Motor Company.
Billy and his wife, Zolian have resided in New Tazewell and were members of Sunrise Missionary Baptist Church. He was a very active man; loved to fish; kept that yard just “so-so”. Loved his church and church family.
He was preceded in death by his parents George M. Hicks, Sr, and Dorthea Harris Hicks. Brothers, George M. Hicks, Jr; James D. Hicks; and Roscoe A. Hicks. Infant sister, Orzella Hicks. Son, Billy Gene Hicks. Grandson, Alex Etue.
Billy is survived by his wife of 7 years, Zolian E. Hicks of New Tazewell, TN. Children, Jennifer Etue of Clark Lake, MI; and Ricky L. Hicks of Westland, MI. Stepdaughter, Barbara (Ben) Greer of Dandridge, TN. Stepsons, Wayne Pace and Randy (Edna) Pace, all of Tazewell, TN. Sister, Daroleen (Paul) Bucher of Marietta, OK. Sisters-in-law, Media Hicks of Ardmore, OK; Ellie Hicks of Dallas, TX; and Brenda Hicks of Marlow, OK. Grandchildren, Thomas W. Hicks, William H. Hicks, Jacob Etue, Alyssa Greer, Nicole Pace, Jackson Pace, Michael Pace, Bobbie Jo Pace, Lance Ford, Bridgette Ford. Eight great grandchildren. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family, and friends.
The family would like to thank Amedysis Home Health for their great care and Sunrise Missionary Baptist Church for everything. A special thanks to his awesome friend and neighbor Tom (Sammie) Godfrey. A special thanks to our wonderful friends Sylvia Evans, Angie Painter, and Becky Gordon for your love and all you do.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Oakes Cemetery or Sunrise Missionary Baptist Church.
The family will receive friends Friday May 17, 2024 from 5 until 8 PM at Coffey Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Saturday May 18, 2024 at 2 PM in the Coffey Funeral Home chapel. A graveside service will follow in the Oakes Cemetery in New Tazewell with full military honors.
Officiating: Rev. Sam Griffin
Obituary: Ed England
Singers: Brenda Bolden and Sunrise Church Choir
Pallbearers: J.C. Cox, Tom Godfrey, Tom Jennings, Les Rodgers, Craig Brewer, and Dearl Henard
