Terry Hicks

Terry Lynn Hicks, known affectionately as “Papa” to those closest to him, passed away on May 25, 2026, at Mercy Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Born on September 26, 1949, in New Madrid, Missouri to Shirley Hicks and Rose Gray, Terry lived a life full of dedication, love, and a sharp sense of style that made him stand out in any room.

Terry graduated from O’Bannon High School in New Madrid, where he earned the title of spelling bee champion. He held that achievement close to his heart, always confident in his spelling skills, and even towards the end, he could easily out spell anyone.

His family life was equally important to him. He married the love of his life, Zelma Hicks, on May 26, 1993 in Lilbourn, Missouri with Reverend Mac Williams officiating the ceremony. Together, they shared many wonderful years.

One of the anchors of his life was his faith. Terry confessed his love for Christ and maintained a personal relationship with the Lord. On February 2, 2000 he was baptized at Mt Olive Missionary Baptist Church in New Madrid, Missouri by Reverend Leotis Aikens.

Terry was a hardworking man throughout his life. He spent many years at Riceland Foods, formerly known as Louis Dreyfus, in Marston, Missouri before retiring. Beyond his professional life, he found joy in simple pleasures like tuning into his favorite game shows—Wheel of Fortune, The Price Is Right, and Jeopardy were staples. He also cherished Westerns and spending time working on puzzles.

A sharp dresser with an unmistakable flair, Terry loved his suits and hats and was known for his impeccably creased pants—so sharp and precise that even the washer couldn’t erase them. That attention to detail was a signature part of his personality.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughters, Barbara Hicks Pratcher and Baby Sharell Johnson, his brothers, Donald Tucker, Sr. and Maurice Hicks, his granddaughter, Deidra, his grandson, Datrae, and his sister-in-law, Barbara Tucker.

He is survived by his loving family that includes his wife, Zelma Hicks of the home, his sons, Theo (Sharil) Anderson of St. Louis, Missouri, Terry Hicks, Jr. and Darrell Johnson both of Anderson, Indiana, Tremayne Williams of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Shaun (Regis) Hicks of Virginia Beach, Virginia, his daughters, Kim Johnson of Anderson, Indiana, Denise Williams and Shamika Williams both of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Yolanda (John) Hicks of New Madrid, Missouri, and Tekela Hicks-Duff of Lilbourn, Missouri, his brothers, James (Beverly) Tucker of Highland, Illinois, and Harold (Carolyn) Tucker and Ralph (Brenda) Tucker both of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, his sisters, Diana (Anthony) Walker of Memphis, Tennessee, and Cheryl Hicks, Lori Hicks, and Marsha Hicks all of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, his favorite cousin, Marilyn Jimerson, 28 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends who loved him.

Terry Hicks was a man who lived life with passion — whether it was in his faith, his family, his hobbies, or his impeccable dressing sense. He was taken from our midst too soon, but his memory remains vibrant in all those who knew him.

A visitation will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 12:00 noon until the funeral hour of 1:00 P.M. at Pilgrim’s Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Lilbourn, Missouri. Interment will immediately follow in Evergreen Cemetery in New Madrid with the Williams Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.