Raymond Hickey

Raymond Hickey, age 70, was born on June 29, 1951, in Houston, Texas. He died at home in Little Rock, Arkansas, on May 23, 2022, surrounded by people who love him. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Joseph P. Hickey and Catherine Y. Hickey. Ray is survived by his spouse of 50 years, Mary Kathryn (Kate) Hickey, brothers, Paul Hickey (Carol), Joseph Hickey (Susan) and sisters, Carolyn Hickey, Sandra Switzer (Richard) and Dr. Rosemary Hickey Thornally (David), and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Ray was a graduate of Catholic High School for Boys, Class of 1969 and Christian Brothers College, Class of 1973, graduating with a BS in Civil Engineering. Ray began his career with the Arkansas Highway Department before working for a private highway contractor from Little Rock, Mike Mahaffey. On his 25th wedding anniversary he started Central Arkansas Engineering PLLC and was in his 25th year of business at the time of his death. Ray was a wonderful athlete all his life and was able to get up on one ski and slalom across the wakes at age 68 during the last family reunion at the lake. He loved tennis and was still quick enough to get a drop volley from the back of the court for a winner. He got to play on two tennis teams the year before his death that were State Champions and enjoyed the trip to Dothan, Ala., for sectionals in November of 2021. He loved to duck hunt and enjoyed those times when he took Kate, his brothers and nephews and brother-in-law David out to enjoy the experience. Ray's happiest times were spent in the company of his large family, often at the lake, the annual Thanksgiving get together and traveling to the destination weddings of his nieces and nephews. Ray was a quiet man who enjoyed listening to others share their stories. Once he knew you, he shared his dry sense of humor and wonderful deep laugh. He had a fascination with how things were built and liked to share that information with others. He was the Go-to guy that everyone called to help assemble or repair something. His talent ranged from working on his beloved 1968 Camaro in high school to building new kitchen cabinets in his and Kates's first home. Sadly, Ray had hoped to be able to restore a vintage car when he retired. He loved God, Kate, his family and his work. He lived by a quiet set of principles. Ray believed in honesty, integrity, hard work and doing a job right, principles he never compromised during his life. A rosary will be held at Christ the King on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at 6 p.m. Funeral service will be a Christ the King Catholic Church on Wednesday. June 1, 2022. at 2 p.m., followed by internment in the columbarium at the church. A reception will follow at Christ the King Family Life Center. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Msgr. Hebert Endowment Fund at Christ the King School or CARTI. Cremation arrangement are under the direction of Cremation Services of Arkansas, 501-313-5431. www.cremationservicesofarkansas.com