LOWELL EUGENE HICKS Visitation will be Thursday, January 23, 2014 from 6-9 pm at Lowndes Funeral Home. A memorial service will be Friday, January 24, 2014 at 1 pm at Lowndes Funeral Home Chapel with Sonny McClellan officiating and Melvin Howton assisting and Lowndes Funeral Home directing. February 18, 1939 to January 21, 2014 Born and raised in Lamar County, AL to Floyd J. and Ethel Randolph Hicks, Eugene was a multi-sport athlete. As an Alabama high school all-star football player, he was signed by Johnny Vaught to play at Ole Miss. Being a life-long Bama fan, he came home to Vernon and soon met and married Carolyn Davis of Caledonia, MS, the love of his life. Together they raised five wonderful children and were blessed with 55 years of marriage. He spent most of his life working as a salesman for Coca-Cola for 13 years and then with Prairie Distributing for another 13 years. He retired from Omnova , after working there for 10 years. But, his true passion was in coaching baseball. He coached his children and others for 14 years in Propst Park, touching many lives along the way, teaching with love and earning respect for his knowledge and skills. It was not uncommon for him to still be addressed as Coach Hicks, 30 years after his coaching days had ended, and reminded of the great times had by all who participated. After his children left home, he became an avid golfer. He greatly enjoyed playing golf with his family and his friends in the noon group at Green Oaks Golf Club. He was a much loved husband, father, son, grandfather, coach and friend to all who knew him and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Davis Hicks of Steens, MS and his children, Ricky (Karen) Hicks of Caledonia, MS, Diane (Chris) Sansing of Columbus, MS, Danny (Cheryl) Hicks of Caledonia, MS, Brenda (Jeff) Jaudon of Hamilton, MS and Andy (Shirley) Hicks of Steens, MS. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Sara Jane and Rachel Hicks, Jennifer and Cate Sansing, Wyatt and Jacob Jaudon and Andrew and Macy Hicks. Also by his special pet: CC. He was predeceased by his father, Floyd and mother, Ethel Randolph Hicks and a granddaughter, Eliza Jaudon. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital or the Humane Society or the charity of your choice.
