Russell Matthew Hickey, 80, of Mystic, passed away Friday, November 28, 2014, at his residence.
Funeral services will be held 2:30 P.M., Sunday, November 30, 2014, at Mystic Baptist Church with the Rev. Jim McDuffie and the Rev. L.A. “Sonny” Pate officiating. Carrie Hartshorne and Kim Bridges will give eulogies. Interment will follow in the Mystic Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Saturday evening at the funeral home in Ocilla.
Mr. Hickey was born January 10, 1934, in Irwin County, Georgia to the late Zack and Carrie Nettles Hickey. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He was a farmer and loved tilling the soil. Mr. Hickey served his country honorably for two years in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany for a period of that time. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed playing and coaching sports in his younger years. His first love was God, family, and friends. Mr. Hickey also was an avid hunter. He served as a deacon at Mystic Baptist Church for over 50 years.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years: Wynell Dover Hickey; sons: Rusty & Lydia Hickey and Don & Debra Hickey; daughter: Renae & Wendell Hall, all of Mystic; grandchildren: Russ Hickey of Athens, Kayla Hickey of Atlanta, Holly & Cody Anderson of Chula, Jessica & Tim Pope of Mystic, Rebecca Hickey of Ocilla, Melissa & Joe Starnes of Mystic, Deanna Hall of Mystic, Nikki & Dylan Walker of Ten Mile Road; great-grandchildren: Aaron Starnes, Christian Clark, Peyton and Brady Carroll, and Caleb Walker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother: Z. J. & Shelia Hickey and a sister: Frances & Richard Oliver.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Mystic Baptist Church, c/o Renae Hall, 313 Bugle Lane Road, Ocilla, Georgia, 31774 or to Blue Gray Community Hospice, P O Box 1447, Fitzgerald, Georgia, 31750.