Dr. Joel Matthew Hicks was born in Shreveport, Louisiana to the late Judith Bonnette Hicks and Jerry Hicks. He was born during Monday Night Football, loved football his whole life and in true Joel style he left this earth with football playing in his room.
Joel always wanted a deeper understanding of both his faith and the world around him. His commitment to knowledge, as a lifelong student, inspired those around him. He was a true pillar of his community, always ready to lend a hand or an encouraging word. He devoted his life to serving others, giving support and guidance to everyone in need. He did this in all aspects of his life.
Regardless of his titles as Instructor, Dean, President or Pastor, he was always a student at heart. His true passion in life was education, whether it was teaching radiology, preaching behind a pulpit, coaching youth football, judging MMA fights or leading an entire college. With all the titles he held over his lifetime, his favorite and most precious was Husband and Dad. He was dedicated to his family always sharing his wisdom and showering them with love.
Joel went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 18, 2024 in Little Rock, Arkansas surrounded by his family, at the age of 52. He is now reunited with his parents, Judith and Jerry. His legacy of dedication, knowledge, and unconditional love will be forever remembered by all those who were impacted by his life.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Angelia Hicks; son, Jacob Hicks; daughter, Katelyn Hicks; son-in-law, Parker Powell along with a very large extended family and host of friends from all aspects of his life.
A visitation for Joel will be held Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, LA 71108. A Celebration of Life Service will occur Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Borgwardt officiating. He will be laid to rest in Centuries Memorial Park. Honoring him as pallbearers will be Ruben Ebarb, Kelly Ebarb, Tim Ebarb, Matt Procell, Lucas Procell and Gauge Stringer.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joel's memory may be made to Dr. Joel Hicks Memorial Scholarship in Radiologic Sciences, https://northwesternstatealumni.com/hicks-scholarship/; Baptist Health College of Little Rock, https://www.baptisthealthfoundation.org/areas-of-purpose/baptist-health-college-little-rock/; and ELCA Fund for Leaders, https://community.elca.org/givenow.
