Robert Thomas Hicks

Robert T Hicks, 93, passed away Monday, August 20, 2012 at his Carolina Village residence. He was the only child of Thomas V. and Lillian B. Hicks. Bob is survived by Beatrice J. Hicks, his beloved wife of more than 69 years. He is also survived by two devoted sons, Robert B. Hicks (Rosslyn) and Douglas M. Hicks (Suzanne); by four loving grandchildren, Robert A. Hicks (Mary Lou), Carrie Saal (Mark), Alison Hicks, and Jonathan Hicks (Tracy), and by four wonderful great-grandchildren, Julia Hicks, Ella Saal, Clara Saal, and Kathryn Saal.

Beginning in 1942, he served as a photo reconnaissance pilot in the U.S. Air Corps with foreign service missions in the Aleutian and China-Burma-India theatres. Following honorable discharge in 1945, he completed his education at Western Reserve University and Cleveland Marshall Law School under the excellent G.I. Bill of Rights, obtaining degrees both in business/finance and law.

Bea and Bob married on October 30, 1942, settled in Cleveland, OH after his military service and raised their two sons. Upon completing his education, Bob joined the Cleveland Pneumatic Tool Company (later Pneumo Corporation). He served for 34 years in various financial, administrative and legal positions. In 1972, the Company moved their corporate offices to Boston, MA, from which he retired in 1982 as Corporate Vice-President of Financial Affairs.

In 1984, Bob and Bea moved to Hendersonville, NC, into their newly-built retirement home. Their retirement years have been wonderfully filled with an endless variety of activities including travel, golf, tennis, community and charitable activities — all available in a beautiful section of the country. In 2008, they moved into Carolina Village to continue their love affair of close to 70 years.

To honor his wishes, no memorial service will be held. His final resting place will be later in the family plot at Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland, OH. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to HCEF/Bullington Center (95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville, NC 28792) or Carolina Village Endowment Fund (600 Carolina Village Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792). The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jerald Pyles, Carolina Village staff, and Four Seasons Hospice.