John Roy Hicks

John Roy Hicks, born April 8, 1933, passed peacefully into eternity on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the age of 90. After serving in the Army, he met and married the love of his life and best friend, Mildred. He worked various jobs over the years including Cleveland Chair, Dillard Smith, Cleveland Electric System, and Cleveland Utilities. He retired from Cleveland Utilities after 34 years of service in 1995. John was a lineman for many years and retired as a lineman supervisor. He worked countless storms and power outages over the years, putting himself in danger many times by helping others. He loved working outside with Mildred in their yard and garden, taking family trips, spending time with family and friends, and eating ice cream! John never met a stranger and loved talking to people. He went by several names over the years - you may have known him as John, John Roy, John R, JR, or Roy. However, his favorite names to be called were Dad and Papa. John was a life-long member of Michigan Avenue Baptist Church in Cleveland, TN, where he served over the years in many capacities. He had a wonderful singing voice and used that gift to bless many people over the years. 

Preceding him in death are his parents, John Isaac and Della Moore Hicks; sisters, Barbara Hicks Thomas, Martha Hicks Burgess and Charlotte Ann Hicks. John Roy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 71 years, Mildred Elaine Jenkins Hicks; son, John Richard Hicks (Shirley McKamy Hicks); daughter, Lisa Kristen Hicks Archer (Russ Archer); and those who called him Papa - his grandchildren - his pride and joy - Joseph Isaac Archer (Erica Tipton Archer), William Jacob Archer and McKaylah Jon Hicks (fiancé Michael Hawkins). Anderson Isaac Archer was his only great grandchild and held a very special place in Papa’s heart. 

He is survived by one brother, Joe Millard “Buddy” Hicks (Sue Hambright Hicks); and a HOST of nieces and nephews who he loved very much. He will be dearly missed by us all. The family will receive friends at Poole Funeral Home of Cleveland from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, February 2nd with a funeral service to follow at 7:00 PM. Officiants will be Pastor Mike Wallin and Pastor Todd Stevison. Interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens on Saturday, February 3rd at 11:00 AM with Joseph Archer, Jake Archer, Michael Hawkins, Kevin Hicks, Mike Isham, and Ron Calfee serving as pallbearers. The family would like to express sincere thanks to the staff of Amedisys Home Health Care in Cleveland and Hospice of Chattanooga. Their kindness will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to encourage you to donate to the charity of your choice in his name. Condolences may be shared on John’s tribute page at pfhcleveland.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the Poole Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3000 Ralph Buckner Blvd, NE Cleveland, TN.  (423) 472-1152.