Lt Col Claude Lee Hicks, Jr., USAF (Ret)

 

Perry –

Claude Lee Hicks, Jr., 89, entered into rest on Tuesday, December 25, 2012.

 

Mr. Hicks was born on May 2, 1923 in Thomasville, North

Carolina to the late Claude Lee Hicks, Sr., and Ida Lee Maness Hicks. He was of

the Baptist faith and attended Robins Air Force Base Chapel. With pride, honor,

and courage Lt. Colonel Hicks served his country in the United States Navy, and

the United States Air Force. Bravely serving the United States of America in

three wars, he began his military career in the United States Navy in 1942

where he obtained the rank of Petty Officer. In early 1946, after serving in

the Hawaiian Islands and continuing through Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia,

and culminating with the invasion of the Philippine Islands in 1945, Petty

Officer Hicks returned to civilian life in the United States. In the same year,

he applied for the United States Air Force Officer Candidate School and was

accepted and processed at Langley Air Force Base Virginia. Officer Hicks was

commissioned in 1950 at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He graduated with an

Associate’s degree in 1949 from Brevard College. In early 1951, Second Lieutenant

Hicks entered the Armament Officer’s System course at Lowry Air Force Base,

Colorado. After graduation, he was assigned to the 23^rd Fighter

Interceptor Wing at Presque isle, Maine and was subsequently transferred to

Korea as Squadron Armament Officer in a B-26 combat unit. After a two year tour

of duty at Warner Robins Air Material Area as Operations Branch Chief in the

C-130 System Support Management Division, Major Hicks was selected for exchange

duty with the Royal New Zealand Air Force at Wellington, New Zealand.  In 1966, Major Hicks was assigned to HQ

TAC, Directorate of Logistic Plans in the General War and Exercises Branch. In

1968, Lt Col Hicks was assigned to the Military Assistance Command, Bangkok,

Thailand as Chief of Plans and Programs in the Military Assistance program

Directorate. In 1971, Lt Col Hicks returned to TAC and was assigned Chief of

the Logistic Support Division. Lt Col Hicks decorations include the Bronze

Star, Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, among so

many others. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1975 after an

honorable and distinguished career. Lt Col Hicks, having been stationed at

Robins Air Force Base earlier in his career, and liked the area so much he and

his wife, Phyllis settled in Perry after his retirement. For several years, he

built houses for Habitat for Humanity and sets for Warner Robins Little

Theatre. When his family gathered, they enjoyed the bounty of his vegetable

gardens as much as he enjoyed the work of growing them. He was also an avid

golfer. His family is proud to carry on the legacy of a life well lived. In

addition to his parents, his beloved wife, Phyllis Ruth Womer Hicks, also

preceded him in death.

 

His memory will forever be treasured by his daughter, Susan

McAtee, Perry, Georgia; grandchildren, Christy Hein (Ben), Warner Robins,

Georgia; Jason McAtee, Perry, Georgia; three great-grandchildren, Taylor, Drew,

and Tyler Hein; sisters, Delette Self and Louise Steinhof; and a host of

extended family members and friends.

 

Visitation will be Sunday, December 30, from 2:00 p.m. until

4:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. Graveside Services with full military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. on

Monday, December 31, 2012 in Andersonville

National Cemetery. In lieu of

flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations to the

Alzheimer’s Association, 886 Mulberry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201 or to the

American Cancer Society, 804 Cherry Street Ste. A., Macon, Georgia 31201.

 

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for

the family.  McCullough Funeral

Home and Crematory has charge of arrangements.

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