Edward Nelson "Bud" Hicks

Edward Nelson “Bud” Hicks a.k.a. Papa or Pop was born on November 19, 1932 and died on May 5, 2023.

Born and raised in Loudon, Tennessee, Ed Hicks was the epitome of a hard-working man. He left home at the age of 17 to join the Navy during the Korean War. His time on the Yorktown was a pivotal experience for him, and he shared his military stories for his whole life.

When he made his way home, he began his career with Sterchi Brothers Furniture. He stayed with them for over 40 years, serving them in many cities and many stores. He remained a loyal and hard-working employee, even after they were purchased by Heilig Meyer. With over 40 years of service to the company, he retired in 1995.

In 1954 he married, Catherine Houston, and they raised two daughters together - Patty (Rubright), who preceded him in death in 2008 and Robyn (Fair).

In 1984 he married his surviving spouse, Sandra Hicks, and became father to Maelea (Galyon) and Rusty (Borden).

During his life, he showered all his children with love, sarcasm, criticism, and wit, encouraging all of them to become the very best versions of themselves. The high expectations he set for himself were mirrored in the expectations he set for his children and grandchildren.

His greatest joy in his retirement has been grandparenting and great-grandparenting. He was Papa or Pop to Derick Rubright, Megan Viera, and Troy Galyon, who have, collectively, given him eight great-grandchildren.

All of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren remember him for teaching them how to use tools, how to create things with wood, how to shoot guns, how to draw, and how to appreciate great summer tomatoes. They also learned by example the gentle, kind-natured approach he had with children and animals of all kinds. In addition, they carry with them a fabulous collection of his one-liners, like “go a hundred….I know the road.”

He was loved by many who are grateful for his long, full life. He will be deeply missed. Friends who wish to honor him are asked to make donations to The Rocky Top Bourbon Charity which directly benefits veterans in the greater Knoxville area or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which he supported for many years. Friends are also invited to join the family for a drop by reception at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home on Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.