Joseph G Hicks Sr.

Joseph Gordon Hicks Sr., age 75 of the Big Creek Community, died Saturday morning, May 6, 2017. He was born on December 7, 1941 in Malvern to the late Lawrence Hicks Sr. and Louella Cunningham Hicks. Reared and educated in Poyen, he was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving in Japan. Joe was manager for West's Department Store for over 20 years, and retired from Van-Atkins Department Store in 2000. Joe loved the outdoors. He enjoyed working his land and going to his cabin. A serious genealogist, he tirelessly traced his family's roots and freely shared the history he learned. Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. An animal lover, he doted on his little dog, Millie. Joe was a true and faithful friend. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Sparks Hicks, to whom he was married on August 15, 1966 in Harrison, Arkansas; his daughter, Diane Austin and her husband Steve of Poyen; his son, Joseph G. Hicks Jr. and his wife Tricia of Hot Springs; his grandchildren, Jeff Austin (Katie), Jaci Alston (Caleb), Zach and Zoie Hicks; his great-grandchildren, Zane Austin, Luke Austin, Joseph Miller, Driver Austin, and Emery Alston. Joe was also preceded in death by his sisters, Belva Jean Hicks, and Sarah Hicks Helms, and a brother, Lawrence Hicks, Jr. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning, May 9, 2017 in the chapel of J.A. Funk Funeral Home with Reverend Danny Dunlap officiating. Interment will follow in Big Creek Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be on Monday evening, May 8, 2017, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials are requested to Big Creek Cemetery Association, c/o Polly Kizer, 412 Big Creek Road, Malvern, Arkansas 72104. Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.