Jerry Lyonial Hicks : Obituary

Jerry Lyonial Hicks, 73 of Epworth, GA passed away Tuesday, Nov 12 after a long battle with cancer. He thrived after a bone marrow transplant in 2011 only to have the same leukemia return this May. Jerry fought the many complications valiantly but it proved to be insurmountable.
Jerry was born Dec 19, 1939 in Buford, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents J.D. & Louise Hicks and brother Laddie Hicks.

He retired from Sears after a long career. Most recently he enjoyed working at Blue Ridge Oil Change.

Jerry had many hobbies including vegetable gardening, photography, history, genealogy and computers. He also loved to travel. Although he loved the coasts and lighthouses of Maine and the sister cities of Charleston and Savannah, his favorite travels were simply, down the road. He found great joy travelling the highways, local streets and unpaved mountain roads taking photos of native plants and landmarks. When he couldn’t travel by car, he traveled via the internet.

His greatest joy however was family and friends. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a humble man and loved fellowship with all.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lynette Hicks of Epworth; daughter and son-in-law, Sandee and Mark Shanabrough of Monroe; son and daughter-in-law, Chuck and Jackie Hicks of Sugar Hill; brother and sister-in-law Arthur and Judy Hicks of Epworth; sister-in-law Joann Hicks of Epworth; grandchildren Brooke Helf, Clay Shanabrough, Greg Hicks and James Hicks; great grandchildren Eileen Helf, Merrick Helf, Adalynn Helf, Karis Helf and soon to be adopted Reya Helf; numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 15, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. Delmar Davenport officiating. Music will be by the Hipps Chapel Singers. Pallbearers will be Clay Shanabrough, Greg Hicks, James Hicks, Merrick Helf, Paul Hicks, David Hicks, and Mark Crawford. Honorary pallbearers will be Joey Stanley, Jim Newkirk, Jarrod Stanley, Brady Stanley, and Gary Stanley. Interment will follow in Chastain Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday evening from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

The family would like to thank The Blood & Marrow Transplant Group at Northside Hospital, Atlanta for their extraordinary efforts. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is in charge of arrangements.