He was born to the late Marcell Hicks, Sr. and Eudelle Mosley Hicks on November 12, 1935, in Augusta, Georgia.
Donald lived a long and fascinating life. Always interested in electronics, engineering, and aviation, he joined the United States Air Force where he became a pilot and flight instructor. Upon leaving the military, he continued to fly throughout North and South America and even to Antarctica. He was flying for a service out of Little Rock when he met the love of his life, Sandra. They married and eventually moved to Memphis where they raised their three children while Donald started his own business, Hicks Sales Agency, Inc. His company was successful for over 50 years, and Don was well known as being an honest and hard-working member of the community. He served on the National Electrical Code board for Memphis and Shelby County, and he was also an active member of the National Association for Amateur Radio.
Above all, Donald was known as a man devoted to his family and to his faith. He was a leader in his church, teaching adult Sunday School, and also serving with the Gideons International. Don never met a stranger and was always quick to share the good news of Christ with anyone he came across. Even in his later years, his passion for studying the Bible never waned and his desire to share it with others never stopped.
Donald is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Sandra Hicks; his children, Kristi Davis (Steve), Don Hicks, Jr. (Melanie), and Holly Hicks; grandchildren, Rachel Gay (Brad), Laura Beth Myers (Corey), Harris Hicks, Wynn Hicks; great-grandchildren, Hallie Gay, Lyla Gay, Ella Myers, and Wren Myers.
A private graveside service will be held for the family.
For those desiring to honor Donald at this time, contributions may be made to the following organizations that he was most passionate about: the Gideons International, Samaritan's Purse and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
