Morris Nathaniel Hicks

Today we pause to pay tribute to the memory of our father, Morris Nathaniel Luke Hicks, who was a loving and caring father, grandfather, brother, brother in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend. Dad loved his family (blood or not) and friends with his whole heart. 

He was born in Greensville County on March 3, 1945, to the late Robert Hicks and Carrie Allen. Unfortunately, his father died before he was born. Nevertheless, his mother taught him about the love of God our heavenly father.  Dad was baptized at an early age in the creek at Macedonia Baptist Church.  He loved and supported his church until his death.   

Dad would share many stories of his childhood days and how he had to miss school to work the farm. Or how he built a fishpond in his youth (demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit at a young age). And later he learned the trade of cutting trees and hauling logs from his brother Robert “Buster” Hicks.   

When he could attend school, he would have to walk miles to get to the black only one room schoolhouse called Ryland School on Brink Road.  As a young boy he had an entrepreneurial spirit and God granted him a Ph.D. in innovation, common sense, kindness, and love. It is here he met our mother Dorothy “Dot” Allen.  

Dad was an inspiration to many throughout his 76 years.  He would smile as he proudly introduced us to so many people he knew. He taught life lessons to us and so many others including the many young men who worked with him as his honorary sons.  He had a special place in his heart for Jerry Brown, Maurice Miles, Fred Goode, Lee “Little Lee-Lee“ Washington, Paulus Joyner, and Erving “Rat” Williams.  His nephews Erving Leonard, Kirby Hicks, Wayne Graves and cousin Terry Hicks were the blood sons he never had.    

On a hot August day in 1964, he married Dorothy “Dot” Allen and with her support he was able to apply for better jobs and learned formal training in machinery and the trade of welding.  He obtained his chauffer’s license.  Dad worked for several years in manufacturing jobs, in textiles ( Weldon Mills) and wood products (Georgia Pacific and Union Camp) and even commuted to Richmond to do construction work. He learned the welding trade while employed at Newport News Shipyard (Northrop Grumman) in Newport News, VA which proved to show God had a plan for his life.  He would take all these lessons and step-out on faith and started his own business.

Daddy was determined to work for himself and open his first business “Hicks Welding Service” in 1984.  As his circumstances changed, Pop did not give up but changed along with them.  As they say today, he re-branded his business.  He transported vehicles as far as Tennessee and sold watermelons as his side “hustles.” He transformed the welding business into Hicks Tree Service and Sign Maintenance. 

Dad was a man of few words but when he spoke it was full of wisdom. He had a big heart and cared for his friends and his foe.  He will be dearly missed.  

Morris transitioned to eternal life and spread his wings and ascended into heaven during the morning of July 30.  

He was preceded in death by his wife, C’Dell Vincent-Hick;, his mother, Carrie Allen; a host of half-brothers and half-sisters and his brother, John Hicks.  He leaves to cherish his memory:  two loving daughters, Tracy O’Neil (Herschel) of White Plains, MD and  Stacy Gray of Emporia, VA;  stepdaughter, Shanda Mason Brown of Nashville, TN; two precious grandchildren, Stefan O’Neil and Calcy Gray; man’s best friend, grand-dogs ,Gracie and Tutu;  his loving sister, Loraine Leonard of Kansas City, MO, brothers, Bishop Paul Allen, Sr. (Jackie) of Cary, NC, Arthur Hicks (Bertha) of Emporia, VA and Mathew Allen (Josephine) of Richmond, VA; two special nieces, Sue Edwards and Bertha Pulley; a host of caring nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

We love you daddy. 

Tracy & Stacy

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mr. Hicks' tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.  

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Mr. Morris Nathaniel Hicks.

We ask that you join us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

 "Diligent in Business; Fervent in Spirit." - Romans: 12:11

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