October 17, 2025, 56, Goldsboro —

William Frank Hicks, Jr., 56, passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025 at his home. Born in Wayne County on June 8, 1969, he was the son of William Frank Hicks, Sr. and Mary Susan Sullivan Hicks Thornton.

William will be remembered as a man who found joy in the simple things of life. He cherished every moment spent with his family and lived each day guided by his strong Christian faith.

A true enthusiast when it came to firearms, William had a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship, history, and precision of guns. He enjoyed collecting them, learning their stories, and sharing that passion with others. For 35 years, William proudly worked at the Swop Shop in Goldsboro, where his honesty, knowledge, and friendly spirit made him a familiar and trusted face to many. His love for buying, selling, and trading firearms connected him with people across the community who valued both his expertise and his friendship. Above all, William’s life was built on faith, family, and doing what he loved most.

William is survived by his mother, Mary Susan Sullivan Hicks Thornton; his daughters, Susan Hicks Watson and husband, Matthew, and Destiney Hicks; his granddaughter, Eleanor Canady; his sister, Frances Hicks Mandeville and husband, Marc; his brothers, Garry Hicks and wife, Vickie, and Larry Hicks; his nieces, Rebecca Cann, Joanna James and Hannah Kidder; and his nephew, Frank Mandeville.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Frank Hicks, Sr.; his sister, Melody Hicks James; and his significate other, Amy Witherington.

A memorial service to honor William’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Mount Carmel Church in Pikeville at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Amy Kelly officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the church. The family will receive friends at other times at, 838 Airport Road, Pikeville, NC 27863.

Services have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.