John Clifford Hicks

John Clifford Hicks, age 42, of Bethlehem NC, died Wed evening, July 20, 2016 of natural causes. Born July 21, 1973 in Hollywood FL, he was the son of Wm. Burke and Diane Hicks of Bethlehem. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Glenn G. Hicks of Hickory, Gerald and Anne Stein of Throop PA, and his uncle and our beloved brother John Stein of Eynon PA. He is survived by his parents, his grandmother Billie Hicks of Hickory, his brother Wm. Glenn and wife Liz Pickell of Grass Valley CA, sisters Jennifer Sigmon and husband Mark of Hickory, Morgan Redmond and husband Tom of Boone, Aunts and Uncles Lynn and Bobby Barger of Hickory, Mariane and Joe Miles of Throop PA, and Kim Stein of Eynon PA, Cousins Joey and Matthew Miles, Aubrey Dutta, Cally Barger, Jessica and Gregory Stein, and Nieces Anna Bigelow, Casey Hedrick, Leah Bridges and Evan Redmond -- and a big rock and roll party of friends. Cliff was a graduate of Newton-Conover HS and attended Lenoir-Rhyne College. He was owner-operator of Tri-County Rug Works in Hickory. Cliff was as much a force of nature as a hurricane. He had no filter or governor. He was Cliff all over. He was a big man with an even bigger heart. Quick to do a favor and loyal to his friends. He was well read, highly intelligent, and a virtual storehouse of information on musical history ranging from rock and blues to western swing, bluegrass and Spike Jones. He was an enthusiastic record collector, particularly fond of gospel quartet albums with 5 or more singers on the cover. Cliff was a key player in the local underground music scene. Cliff's mind was sponge-like, soaking up useless but always interesting information about almost everything, but most likely way off center. A celebration of Clifford's life is being arranged by his brother Glenn and friends and our Rev. Bob MacDicken and will be held at 3 pm on Saturday, July 30 at the Unitarian Church of CV at 833 Fifth ST SE in Hickory. The family will be at the church to receive friends from 2:30 to 3 pm and following the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Salvation Army of Hickory.