Joe Gann Hicks, age 93 of Lillian, Alabama, passed away on January 28, 2023. He was born in Tarrant, Alabama on May 15, 1929, to James Robert and Sarah Adeline Hicks. He was the youngest of seven children. He grew up in Birmingham, in the Avondale area, and was proud to be one of the “Old Avondale Boys.”
Joe graduated in 1954 from Auburn University with a degree in Pharmacy. He later obtained a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from UAB.
Following pharmacy school, he served in the US Army, in the 4th Infantry Division. He worked in retail pharmacy followed by a long career with the Veterans Administration retiring in 1989. Following his first retirement, he agreed to work for Alabama Medicaid for one year, but 10 years later he finally retired.
He was an avid ham radio operator and die-hard Auburn fan.
He was a member of Perdido Bay United Methodist Church in Pensacola, Florida.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents James and Adeline; siblings Angie Mae Murphree, T.O. Hicks, Theresa Hall, Mary Sue Dockins. Brothers, Clio and Leland, died during childhood before Joe was born.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Gladys; his children, Amy (Kenny) Mattus, Mark (Cynthia) Hicks, and Jon Hicks; grandchildren, Angelina Pennington, Maria Francies, Aaron Mattus, and Chloe Hicks; great-grandchildren, Conner, Bailey, Jonah, Bella, William, and Mason; and much-loved nieces and nephews.
A committal service will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 1:30 pm at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort, Alabama.
In leu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Perdido Bay United Methodist Church or the Salvation Army.