Ray Hickmon

Ray Hickmon, age 94, went to Heaven on April 27, 2019. He lived in Bradford for nearly all of his life. Ray was born on Sept. 14, 1924, the son of Hinkle and Arretis VanWinkle Hickmon. After his father's death, Ray served as a substitute father to his younger siblings — although he was only 16 himself — before joining the Army near the end of World War II. On Jan. 12, 1948, he married May Elizabeth Wilson. For many years, Ray operated a barbershop in Bradford with May eventually opening a beauty shop in the back of the building. After closing the shop, they continued working together by making and selling quilts and wind chimes until shortly before May's death in June 2000. Ray and May were married for 52 years and are survived by their two daughters: Freda Christian and husband Charles and Fonda Thomason and husband Michael, all of Bradford. In addition to May, Ray is preceded in death by his second wife, Dorothy Annette Hickmon; his great-granddaughter, Anna Claire Christian; his parents; five brothers, John, Carl, Bill, Clinton Marvin and Cleve; and three sisters, Lois Alexander Goad, Gracie Scantlin and Irene Hickmon. In addition to his daughters, Ray is survived by his sister, Ruth Rhew of Bradford; his brother, Andy Hickmon and wife Neda Jane of Mt. Vernon; five grandsons; six great-grandchildren; and many special nieces and nephews. During his long life, Ray was a member at several Baptist churches, including Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, Bradford Baptist Church and Denmark Baptist Church, which he was instrumental in founding. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. at the Powell Funeral Home Chapel in Bald Knob. Services will immediately follow at 11 a.m. Interment with military honors will be in Smith Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home Bald Knob-Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.