Thomas "Preacher"Bickham

Thomas Carrol "Preacher" Bickham died peacefully at home Tuesday, April 6, 2010, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Oct. 19, 1918, in Clifton. He proudly served in the Navy from 1943 to 1945 in World War II and from 1950 to 1951 in the Korean War. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America for about 30 years, earning the Silver Beaver, the highest honor awarded by the BSA. He had a positive impact on many of the young Boy Scouts from the Istrouma Area Council. He was a retired property management specialist from the Department of Transportation and Development. He was a longtime member of the Broadmoor United Methodist Church. He was a strong, proud man with a great love for his family, often described as a kind, compassionate and supportive friend. Family and friends will always remember his distinctive and unique brand of humor. He will be sadly missed. He had a great love of fishing and was an avid LSU fan. His greatest love was that of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his two sons, two daughters and their families, Thomas Bickham Jr. and wife Mona, Beverly Bickham Hansen and husband Bill, Glenn Bickham and close companion Debby Gremillion, Rebecca Bickham Macaluso and husband Nick; and his constant companion, Max, his dog. He is also survived by grandchildren, Thomas Bickham lll, Carol Fannaly, Peyton Bickham, Jonathon Bickham, Gary Bickham, Steven Bickham, Christopher Evans and Courtney Evans; seven great-grandchildren and a sister, Alice Bickham Quinn. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Conerly Bickham; his parents, Benton Oliver and Hattie Toney Bickham; brothers, Benton, Enoch, Woodrow, William and Robert; and sisters, Elaine Rimes, Lillian Conerly and Harriet Hotard. Visitation will be held at Broadmoor United Methodist Church on Thursday, April 8, from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. Graveside service will be in the Ellis Cemetery in Franklinton at 3 p.m. Special thanks from the Bickham family goes to In His Care Hospice and the special caregivers who provided comfort and care.