Johnnie Lee Hicks

Johnnie Lee Hicks passed away on October 31, 2022 at the age of 77 following a courageous ten year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Johnnie was born on October 21, 1945 to Johnnie and Norma Hicks in Houston. Being the second of five children Johnnie was no stranger to pranks and jokes and as a boy he used his intelligence to help him create mischief in and outside the school classroom. A painter’s son, Johnnie grew to value the importance of hard and honest work. Following his graduation from Furr High School in 1964 he continued learning the trade of painting from his father. In their time of working together he was taught the character traits of honesty, loyalty, integrity, perseverance, and work ethic.

He and his wife of 55 years, Belle Myrie, together raised their two children Patrick Darryn Hicks and Deidre Myrie Morris. Johnnie and Belle made their home a hub for family and neighborhood kids alike, often with a revolving door around dinner time. From coaching little league baseball to attending dance recitals Johnnie was a devoted and loving father. He enjoyed providing well for his family and eventually took the leap of faith to start his own commercial painting business. Johnnie was a man of his word in business or friendship. It was often joked that Johnnie’s word was “better than a contract”. A contract has loopholes but Johnnie’s word did not.

As his business continued to succeed Johnnie and Belle were able to enjoy many travels together. From snorkeling to skiing Johnnie loved to spend every moment of vacation exploring and enjoying the land he was visiting. Being a man of many talents, Johnnie loved to stay busy through his hobbies and his work. Along with his brother Jerry he shared a passion for golf and beautiful cars. He took great care of his cherished red 1963 stingray corvette. He spent many days at Riverbend Country Club playing his other favorite game of golf. Johnnie loved watching any Houston sports team but was an avid Houston Astros fan.

Johnnie adored his grandchildren Taylor Garcia, Brandon Taylor, Jaxson Hicks, and Elizabeth Morris. As their beloved “Pops”, Johnnie shared his support and generosity to each of them. As retirement neared, he left the legacy of his successful business Ideal Finishes, Inc. to his beloved daughter Deidre and her husband David Morris. Even as his health and memory declined Johnnie enjoyed playfully interacting with his great grandson William Parks Garcia.

Johnnie will be remembered for his strong independent spirit, handsome smile, and wonderful personality. He was a strong, courageous and honest man who will be greatly missed by his family.

Johnnie is preceded in death by his father Johnnie Patrick Hicks. He is survived by his wife Belle Myrie Hicks and their two children and their families, Patrick Darryn Hicks, Deidre Myrie Morris and husband David Morris. He is also survived by his mother Norma Lee Hicks, and his four siblings and their spouses; Jerry Hicks and wife Bebe , Pamela and her husband John Roberson, Norman Hicks and his wife Sheila, Don Hicks and Sherill . He is also survived by his four grandchildren Taylor Garcia and her husband Nicholas Garcia, Brandon Taylor, Jaxson Hicks, Elizabeth Morris, and one great grandchild, William Parks Garcia.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Maria Monreal who lovingly cared for him these years as he battled this disease, and the caregivers at The Auberge of Sugar Land for their tender and attentive care to Johnnie during the past 2 1/2 years of his declining health.

A visitation for Johnnie will be held Thursday, November 10, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079. A funeral service will occur shortly after from 11:00AM to 12:00pm, concluding with a committal service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Reception to follow at Riverbend Country Club,1214 Dulles Ave, Sugar Land, Texas 77478

The family is asking that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Hicks family.