Willie James Hicks, affectionately known as “Babe Bro,” died of natural causes Aug. 8 at Hale County Hospital in Greensboro. He was 77.
Hicks was born July 26, 1949, in Hale County to Clara Sneed and his stepfather, Porter Sneed. As a young man, he moved to New York and joined the workforce at Dyna Empire. After 40 years of service, he retired and moved back to Alabama to enjoy his hobbies, fishing and farming.
He could repair anything and loved teasing and making people laugh.
Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Lether Hicks; two children, Corey and Tarjis Hicks, both of Wyandanch, New York; a grandson, Jamarr (Marie) Hicks of Pennsylvania; three great-grandchildren, Amayah, Aaron and Airess Hicks; three sisters, Joanna Peavy and Eliza Whitehurst, both of Hempstead, New York, and Marie Polk of Birmingham; an aunt, Rosie Bogan of Chicago; nine sisters-in-law, Mary (Conner) Fields of Greensboro, Ruby Haywood of Birmingham, Linda (Charles) Crews, Shirley Stewart and Brenda (Edward) Bester, all of Sawyerville, and Jacqueline (Norman) Weatherspoon, Vickie White, Blanche Finch and Mamie (Gregory) Taggart, all of Tuscaloosa; three brothers-in-law, Eddie White of Kennesaw, Georgia, Donald White of Tuscaloosa and Gregory (Melinda) White of Sawyerville; a special friend, Lewis (Joyce) Bryant; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Major Hicks.
A celebration of life was held Saturday, Aug. 22, at 11 a.m. at Jackson Chapel A.M.E. Church, 68 Jackson Road, Sawyerville, with Donald Joe White officiating.
Arrangements were by Washington and Paige Mortuary of Greensboro.
