March 19, 2024, 84, Goldsboro —

Ray Casper Hicks, Sr. victoriously met his Savior face-to-face in the early hours of Tuesday, March 19, 2024. He was born in Wayne County to the late William Casper Hicks and Geraldine Forehand Hicks on February 29, 1940. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Rachel Leah; son, William Dean Hicks; brother, William Frank Hicks; and his beloved k-9 friend, Fifi.

Starting early in life as a farmer, Ray worked from sun up to sun down planting, tending, and harvesting. Relying on the goodness of the Lord, he trusted that the work he did combined with the blessings of God would yield a bountiful crop. Learning the skill of taxidermy, Ray later invested his time as a taxidermist, mounting much wild game for customers and sharing his expertise with others through teaching at Wayne Community College. Continuing his varied career path, Ray entered into the program at Johnston Community College to get his CDL license. Upon completion, he worked as a truck driver. His career again transitioned to being a newspaper carrier for the Goldsboro News-Argus, a job he greatly enjoyed and continued until retirement.

A longtime member of Mount Carmel Church, Ray faithfully served his Lord and the local congregation through his prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. After retirement, Ray followed and supported his wife, Rev. Rose Hicks, in all her churches and pastoral duties. He was so proud of her and his dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ and Rose’s ministry was unsurpassed. He spent much time with each of her churches singing in the choirs, making lifelong friends and beautiful, happy memories.

The beauty of God’s creation was never more evident to Ray than when he was outdoors. As evidenced by his career choices, the outdoors was where Ray was most at peace. Hunting was an enjoyable pastime, and he spent many years raising his own sheep, goats, fallow deer, pigeons, and numerous exotic birds.

Memories of yesteryear were deeply entwined in Ray’s being. He loved television shows from days gone by, and especially enjoyed Roy Rogers, The Lone Ranger, John Wayne, and James Dean. Old Westerns and Turner Classic Movies were his go-to when he tuned his television. With a masterful skill at wordsmithing, Ray could interest anyone in his stories, especially when talking of events in years gone by.

A big baseball fan, Ray spent his years in love with the sport, from coaching Little League when his son was playing, to watching games on television. As a coach, he took the 13-year-old Babe Ruth Team on to win the State Championship in 1982. An everlasting fan, he and his wife would try to get to the Kinston Indian Games when they could.

Time spent at Bogue Inlet was always a highlight for Ray. With a change of scenery from his home, Ray yet again recognized the beauty of God’s creation through the crashing waves, golden sand, and salt air.

Though many things brought Ray enjoyment through the years, there was no greater blessing than his family. Most of all, he was honored to be known as husband to his dear wife for 65 years.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 22, 2024, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Mount Carmel Church, 610 Mount Carmel Church Road, Pikeville. A service to celebrate Ray’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary with Rev. Amy Kelly and Rev. Steve Wellman officiating. Interment will be in the Crumpler Family Cemetery.

Ray is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rose Crumpler Hicks; children, Eleanor Hope Hicks Porter and husband, Ed, Robin Rose Hicks, and Ray Casper Hicks, Jr. and wife, Melissa; grandchildren, Blake Anthony Howell and wife, Britney, Faith Dotter Hill and husband, Daniel, and Jonathan Wayne Dotter; and three great-grandchildren, Luke Howell, Leah Howell and Penelope Hill. He is also survived by his brother, J.D. Hicks, and wife, Patty; sister, Joy Hicks Williams and husband, Bubba; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews he loved very much.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given in Ray’s memory to
Mount Carmel Church
P.O. Box 10
Pikeville, NC 27863

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.