Jerald Hicks

Marion, NC

Jerald Dean Hicks, 51, of Marion, passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at McDowell Hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer, with his loving wife and family by his side.

Mr. Hicks was born in McDowell County, on January 16, 1966, to the late Melvin Hicks and Eula Mae Ledford Hicks.

He was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church in Marion. He was a humble man who worked and served in local Law Enforcement for 21 years as a Marion Police Officer and Detective as well as a McDowell County Deputy Sheriff before retiring.

Mr. Hicks was a leader among law enforcement and helped train new officers and was a resource for seasoned officers. He was instrumental in starting the Crime Stoppers program in McDowell County, as well as the Charles Queen Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #82 and helped develop the McDowell County SWAT team. With the help of Chaplain Roger Hayley, Jerald also started the “Shield A Badge With Prayer” Program. He was also the one who contacted the Discovery ID channel about the Zelpha Lowery case which was broadcasted on national TV. Mr. Hicks was also involved in the community as a member of the Executive Committee for the McDowell County Republican Party.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Phillip Hicks.

Surviving Mr. Hicks are his wife of 15 years, Angela Harrison Hicks; sons Nicholas Wayne Hicks of Nebo and Jaron Lee Buchanan of Spruce Pine; daughters, Stephanie Marie Hicks of Marion, Victoria Leigh Hicks of Asheville, MacKenzie Kate Buchanan and Madison Ciara Hicks, both of Marion; brothers, Alfred Hicks of Rutherfordton and Bobby (Sue) of Marion; a sister, Mildred Whitesides of Marion; two grandchildren, Braylen Ray Hicks and Aria Brianne Patterson; and several nieces and nephews, all of whom he was very close to.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 30, 2017, at 12:00 PM, at First Free Will Baptist Church of Marion, with Rev. Brian Bird officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at McDowell Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

Kirksey Funeral Home has the honor of assisting the Hicks family with arrangements.