Henry P Hicks

Henry Patrick Hicks, 91, passed away on October 8, 2010 at the Carriage Club. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at Harry and Bryant Company 500 Providence Rd. Charlotte, NC where the family will receive friends following the service.

Henry was born August 26, 1916 in Raleigh, NC. He was the son of the late William Henry Hicks and Cora Alice Lockamy Hicks. He was preceded in death by his High School sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Claudia Colyer Carroll Hicks, by his brothers, William Norman Hicks, Clarence Prentice Hicks and George Robert Hicks, and sister Mary Agnes Hicks Kempton. He was also preceded in death by his faithful and loving companion during his years of declining health – his cat, Emily. He is survived by his daughter Carroll Ann Hicks Backman and son-in-law Harold Backman. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Henry served as a Private during World War II, as a Transportation Dispatcher with the 433rd Troop Carrier Group, 67th Squadron of the US Army Air Corps. He took part in major operations of the New Guinea and Philippines campaigns.

He was a Deacon at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Raleigh, and was Captain of the Church Softball team.

Henry started his work career at Buckeye Cotton Oil Company in Raleigh, NC (which later was purchased by Ralston Purina). During 18 years of employment, he progressed to General Foreman and Safety Supervisor. He was fond of relating stories about his experiences in Guadalajara, Mexico, where he assisted in the setup of a new Purina plant. During their time in Mexico, he and Claudia attempted to teach the entire population to speak English.

In 1965, the family moved to Charlotte, NC, where Henry worked for the North Carolina Department of Labor as a Safety Inspector and Consultant. He held dual credentials (state of North Carolina and Federal) with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and prior to his retirement in 1985, was appointed Area Supervisor of the Western 35-county District of North Carolina.

During his entire working career, Henry taught First Aid classes through the American Red Cross, and classes on Industrial Safety and OSHA Regulations at Central Piedmont Community College, Appalachian State, Gaston College, Rowan Tech and NC State University. He really enjoyed teaching classes and serving as an Instructor, and received numerous commendations through the years for his efforts.

Henry was an avid volunteer, until his eyesight began to fail. He worked as a volunteer usher at Spirit Square for many years, and did fund-raising and set construction for Theatre Charlotte. He also delivered lunches to the needy through a Church program and picked fruits and vegetables for the Gleaners.

Henry was a great Dad and a good friend. He maintained his optimism and good sense of humor until the very end, and will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Humane Society of Charlotte, 2700 Toomey Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28203-5556. Hicks.