Willis Ray Hicks, Sr.

Willis Ray Hicks, Sr., age 72, of Albion, died Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at home surrounded by his children.  Willis was born in Newhall, West Virginia on October 22, 1946 to Virgil and Etta (Brewster) Hicks.  He married Thelma Charles and together they raised six children.  He was a coal miner for many years in West Virginia before moving to Kendallville in 1979. He was employed with the Kendallville Foundry and retired in 2007 from MP Steele in Kendallville.  

Survivors include:
Son, Jeff and Ellen Hicks of Fort Wayne.
Son, Virgil and Vicki Hicks of Butler.
Son, Willis, Jr. and Renee Hicks of Butler.
Daughter, Paula Brenay of Fort Wayne.
Daughter, Tammy and Tim Cowan of Wolcottville.
Daughter, Alicia Hicks of Goshen.
16 grandchildren: Jayla Hicks, Jeffrey Hicks, Jr., Gabrielle Hicks, Abigail Hicks, Virgil Hicks, Jr., Vincent Hicks, Victor Hicks, Brient and Rachel Hicks, Peyton Hicks, Saylor Lindsay, Christina Hicks, Austin Woodworth, Malcolm Woodworth, Tyruss Fugate, Corie Joe Fugate, and Dagan Hicks.
6 great grandchildren: Jackson, Nicolas, and Nolan Pilnock, Elaina Hicks, Emerson and Ray Hicks.
Brothers, Riley Hicks, Elzie and Glenna Hicks and James Hicks.
Sisters, Gaye Bean, Melva and Grant Pruett and Dora Nease. 
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Wanda and Carol; and brother, Dennis.

A gathering of family and friends on Monday, July 29, 2019 from 12:00 – 3:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville followed by a service at 3:00 PM.
Burial will take place later at the Hicks Family Cemetery in Big Creek, West Virginia.
Share a memory or send a condolence online at hitefuneralhome.com
Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home.

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