Ray E. Hickman

Cocoa, FL

Ray E. Hickman, 92, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2015. Visitation will begin at 2:30 pm followed by funeral service at 3:30 pm Saturday, September 26 at Life Event Center at Florida Memorial, 5950 S. US HIghway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955. Burial will be in Florida Memorial Gardens with US Navy Honors.

Ray leaves his daughters Teresa Cox (son-in-law John), Lee Ann Hickman, and Nancy Thompson (son-in-law Sonny); three grandchildren, Christopher and Amanda Thomas and Skyler Williamson. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Nell Hickman and his son Phil Hickman.

Ray was originally from Alabama but moved to Lake Wales, FL as a young boy with his parents and two brothers. He served in the US Navy during WWII, which he was very proud of. He was an honorable man who loved his country. Ray settled in Cocoa, FL, and retired from Lockheed Missiles & Space Co. He was also a long time Mason. He was talented wood worker, and excellent knife maker. Ray was an avid family man who loved on his wife and children. He spent a lot of time doting on his beloved grandchildren. He also loved to travel and spend time in the mountains of NC and TN, especially in the Fall.

Ray lived a very active and healthy life until he became ill from ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). He was officially diagnosed in February 2015. Ray bravely fought the debilitating symptoms of the disease and along the way made many friends in the healthcare world at assisted living facilities and Health First Hospice.

Ray never met a stranger. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.