Obituary of Raymond C. Hicks

Raymond C. “Sparky” Hicks, 80, of 46073 Buells Corners Rd. Spartansburg, died Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Hicks was born on November 10, 1931 at Rome Twp., a son of the late Lawrence Gordon Hicks and Florence Spencer Hicks. He was married to Barbara Ann Burns on Jan. 1, 1953 at Centerville. She preceded him in death on Oct. 16, 1992. He was later married to Margaret Winchester who also preceded him in death. Sparky had attended the Red Oak and Titusville schools. He was a veteran having served in the US Army from Aug. 30, 1948 until his honorable discharge on Feb. 16, 1950. He had been employed at Horn Textile in Titusville for 39 years until his retirement. He had also been briefly employed at the former Cyclops Specialty Steel Corp. in Titusville. Mr. Hicks was a life member of the Rometown Community Church where he served as an elder. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, playing his harmonica, playing horseshoes, and spending time with his family. He was a food connoisseur and an avid picker of old items. Mr. Hicks was the former caretaker of the Red Oak Cemetery. He was a beloved friend to all the community. He is survived by a son, Timothy J. Hicks and his wife Ruthie of Spartansburg; two daughters, Cynthia Hensley and her husband Rick of Lincolnton, NC, and Darlene Stevens and her husband Pal of Spartansburg; 22 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Mary Hicks of Centerville; a son-in-law, Samuel “Bill” Messina of Spartansburg; two brothers, Arthur Hicks of Spartansburg and Harlan Hicks and his wife Becky of Pleasantville; a sister-in-law, Ingrid Burns of Titusville; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wives, he was preceded in death by a son, Michael R. “Mike” Hicks, Sr.; a daughter, Judy Messina; a great grandchild; three sisters and their husbands, Dorothy and Wayne McCrillis, Gladys and Thomas Wagner, and Pauline and Weldon McCalmont; and a sister-in-law, Barbara Ann Hicks. Friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home today (Thursday) from 7 to 9 PM. Further visitation will be held on Friday from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the Rometown Community Church at which time the funeral service will be conducted with Rev. Timothy Harger, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Red Oak Cemetery with full military rites conducted by officers and members of the Bruce Shorts Post No. 5958 VFW. The family asks that memorials be made to the Rometown Community Church 44364 Harrison Rd. Spartansburg, PA 16434 or to Hospice of Crawford County 310 N. Monroe St. Titusville, PA 16354. If you would like to leave a condolence for the family, go to garrettfuneralhomeinc.com FLOWERS