Cecil Hicks

Cecil Kirkland Hicks NORTHPORT Cecil Kirkland Hicks, age 92, of Northport, died July 16, 2013, in Bay Minette. Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m. today at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Rev. Ron Wilson officiating and Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North directing. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Florene Carnley Hicks, and his son, Kenneth Kirk Hicks. Survivors include his daughter, Brenda Ann Gantt (George) of Andalusia; his son, Steve Jay Hicks (Susan) of Northport; his grandchildren, Dallas Patton Gantt (Anna) of Tuscaloosa, Hannah Maria Merrell (Walt) of Andalusia, Myra DeeAnn Hicks of Pensacola, Fla., Kimberly Beth Hicks of Tuscaloosa, Natalee Willard of Northport, and Elizabeth Willard of Northport; and his great-grandchildren, Christian and Tehya Hicks, Isabella and William Gantt, and Bay, Cape, and Banks Merrell. Cecil was a true southern, Christian gentleman, always welcoming guests with a "So glad to see you," so glad you came, and always kissing the hands of the ladies. Cecil was an excellent provider for his family and a loving husband and father. He loved playing with his great-grandchildren and enjoyed watching them grow. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and fishing on Cold Fire Creek. He loved vegetable gardening on his farm in Pickens County. Cecil retired from Hunt Oil Company in Tuscaloosa and also owned and operated a small gas and grocery station in Northport. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa.