Fred C. Hicks, 77, a life-long resident of Englewood died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 5, 2018.
Fred was born on August 13, 1940; he was the son of the late Fred and Hazel Lee Hicks. He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters and most of their spouses: Eliz (Roy) Young, LD (Elaine) Hicks, Jack (Helen) Hicks, Jo Ann (Judy) Cobble, Nelva "Redbird" (Charles) Patrick, Dolly "Snip" (John) VandenBosch, Bill, and Reid Hicks; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Rev. Warren and Mildred Wattenbarger.
Fred graduated from Englewood High School, Hiwassee College (AA), Tennessee Wesleyan College (University) (BS), and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (MS & EdS). He taught school in McMinn County for 31 years, first at Mt. Harmony (a two room schoolhouse), where he met his future wife, and then at Niota Elementary. After he retired, he served as Assistant Highway Commissioner under Randall Moss. He also served as a member of the McMinn County Commission from 1986-1994.
Fred was a member of Manila Lodge #633 F&AM for 52 years, the McMinn County York Rite Bodies, and of the Englewood Order of the Eastern Star. He attended Englewood United Methodist Church where he served as a Trustee for many years and oversaw several building projects.
Fred leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Hazel Wattenbarger Hicks, his daughter Denise Hicks Roach and her husband Billy, the absolute joy of his life-his grandson Josh, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Rev. Ogle and Louis Wattenbarger and their daughter Tina (Paul) Morgan as well as many friends, colleagues, former students and a special (might as well be) grandson Jack Ingram.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 8, 2018 from 4:30-6:30 pm at Smith Funeral Home, followed by a Masonic service at 6:30 pm. The funeral service will follow at 7:00 pm, with Rev. Richard Tallent officiating. The committal service will be 10:30 am, Wednesday, May 9th in Sunrise Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Glen Barnett, Kenny Carver, Jack Ingram, Nathan Tullock, Brandon Masingil, and Caleb Latham. Honorary pallbearers are Masons of Manila Lodge #633, the men of the "Breakfast Club," Adult Sunday school class at Englewood United Methodist Church, special friends Bill Cochran and Larry Casteel, his nephews, Roy Lee, Johnny and Larry Young.
The family suggests memorials be made to Manila Lodge #633 F&AM, P.O. Box 128, Englewood, TN 37329.