Obituary of William Austin Hicks, Jr.

CAMDEN-Our hearts are heavy as we bid farewell to William Austin “Bill” Hicks, Jr., also affectionately known as “Pops,” who departed this life on March 28, 2024, for his eternal home, leaving behind cherished memories and an enduring legacy as a beloved husband, an adored father, a loving grandfather, an educator, and an engineer. He was born on August 8, 1936, in Camden, South Carolina, and he lived with a passion for sharing his immense knowledge and wisdom with others. Dad served in the South Carolina Air National Guard from 1954-1962, where he worked as a special radar ops engineer. He earned his engineering degree from Georgia Tech and his M.Ed.’s from USC and Clemson University. Whether he was performing duties in the chem lab as a Chemical Engineer at DuPont and Westinghouse, Works Engineer at Elgin Watch Company, or teaching high school students engineering/electronics, he left his indelible mark as a mentor and a friend. His influence in the early days of the development of ATEC alongside his friend, the late Dr. Gil Woolard, brought Kershaw County students technological opportunities that would serve them well in their career paths.

   Our Dad lived a life devoted to his family, his career, his country, and above all his deep faith in God. For many years, he selflessly served as the Director of Sunday School at Wateree Baptist Church, where he grew up, guiding and nurturing countless individuals on their spiritual journeys. His unwavering dedication to God and to his family leaves a lasting legacy of love and faithfulness. He was not only an educator but also a role model for many. He loved vacations, golf, fishing, and gardening with family and, most of all, his love of everything Christmas. Dad’s main passion was his family, but especially his wife, June, who has battled Parkinson’s Disease with courage and grace, thanks to his unwavering commitment to her well-being. He devoted himself to caring for her and providing every comfort possible. He never left her side and sacrificed his own needs and desires to serve the love of his life for 65 years. He was a giver in every sense of the word.

   Bill is survived by his wife, Carole June Sowell Hicks; his children, Robyn L. Hicks, William A Hicks, III “Todd,” Jodie H James (John McCrosson, MD); eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren, Nikki Hudak (Brian), Dillon Gillis (Flo), Zach James, Will Hicks, Weston James (Rachael), Alley James, Anna Hicks, Josi Hicks, Declan Gillis, Riley Gillis, Ellie Gillis; his nieces, Beth J Kirkland (Danny), Lori J Cooper (Jeff); a nephew, Bruce Aldea (Ann); and a niece, Valerie D. Guynee. He was predeceased by his father, William Austin Hicks, Sr.; his mother, Frances Elizabeth Daughrity Hicks; and a sister, Charlene H Jones (Dennis).

    A private graveside service has been planned for the immediate family at Wateree Baptist Church, Camden SC on April 9th. For those who wish to send flowers, they may be delivered to Powers Funeral Home, Lugoff, SC. May Dad’s spirit live on in our hearts, guiding and comforting us in the days ahead.