Paul Thomas Hicks

Having you in our lives was truly a blessing. Everyone who knew you, whether family, friend, or stranger, experienced your joy, humor, and kindness through your silly jokes, funny stories, and cherished memories.

Many will remember your beautiful singing voice, whether performing with the Barbershop Quartet, the Barbershop Chorus, or singing in the choir at Azalea Baptist Church. I'll always remember those evenings when you and your quartet practiced at our old home while Mom and I sat and listened.

I remember your stories about serving in the Army Reserves and the many jobs you held throughout your life, including Newport News Shipbuilding, as an auxiliary police officer in Hampton, security at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and your longtime career with the Norfolk Sheriff's Office. You always spoke fondly of your fellow officers, the friendships you made, and the respect you earned from those in your care. You certainly never ran out of stories to tell!

Busch Gardens was one of your favorite places, and I made sure we visited as often as possible. I'll forever cherish our family memories there, from the roller coasters and shows to the happiness we shared. Some of our other favorite adventures took us to Florida, Disney World, and other parks. Although many photographs and videos are now lost, those memories will always live in our hearts.

I'll also never forget our family journey to discover our ancestry and Cherokee heritage, searching through family names, records, and Bibles. Finding the answers we were looking for made the experience even more special, but the memories of taking that journey together mean the most.

Words can never express how deeply we miss you. You lived a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, happiness, and unforgettable memories. I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. Everyone who knew you was blessed to have you in their lives, and we, your family, are especially grateful for every moment we shared with you.

We love you, we miss you, and we hope you'll give our family in heaven a big hug from all of us still here.

As we say in our Cherokee language, Donadagohvi — Until we meet again.

A'ho.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Hicks Family at https://www.supportnow.org/heather-hicks.