Gary Hicks Obituary

Gary Eugene "Gene" Hicks, 76, peacefully passed away on March 31, 2026 at his home in Murrells Inlet, SC.

Gary was born on April 17, 1949 in Pelzer, SC to the late Clydus Hicks and Doris Frady Hicks. He attended schools in Pelzer, SC and Logan, Ohio completing High School with a GED.

Gary joined the Navy in 1968. Serving two years as a Seaman at the Concord Naval Weapons Station in Concord, CA. When recently asked what was the best thing about the Navy? With a smile and a twinkle in his eye, he replied... "I met my wife, and lived on the Tugboat."

Gary and his wife Sandy were married on June 25, 1969. They shared nearly 57 precious years together. Gary was a devoted, sweet, tenderhearted husband. In the 1990's they had the honeymoon they never had in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It became their favorite vacation spot after that.

In 1973, with the birth of their daughter Lisa, Gary became a dad. He was an amazing father. He taught young Lisa to fish and to assist in changing the oil in the family car. One of their favorite things to do, was going out to breakfast, it was their special Father/Daughter time. Lisa loved when it was just the two of them. That's when they sat at the counter, but she also watched out for him, telling mom if "some lady" was talking to him. Even though that lady was just the waitress, we laugh about that to this day. Gary had a short stint in the Merchant Marines, but couldn't stand being away from his little girl. Hawaii was no match for a father's love.

Smart, caring and funny...that's Gary. Family and friends were his greatest joy's in life. Living in California for 34 years, he enjoyed weekend getaways to the coast; fishing, camping, houseboating, gambling trips to Reno and Tahoe. He was always ready to take off after his last graveyard shift ended.

Professionally, Gary was proud of his work as a Journeyman Printer for 20 years. But his time working for the City of Concord in California, was his best times. He loved working at the Concord Pavilion Outdoor Theater as the groundskeeper, he cared for 60,000 sq feet of turf. He laughed that he has two 8x10 glossy photos because of the story published in the Pavilions Performing Arts Magazine. Working the shows there he had so many stories to tell about the musical talent that performed on stage. He got a kick out of the time the bands Journey and Three Dog Night, ate his left over birthday cake.

In 2002, Gary and Sandy moved to South Carolina, Gary came home. Home to spend time with his mother and father. Also, time to get to know his brothers, who were young boys when he left for the Navy. Time for nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Gary even worked at Circuit City with two of his brothers.

Gary and Sandy took yearly vacations to Myrtle Beach with Sandy's sister and brother-in-law, which lead to their purchase of a vacation home in Murrells Inlet, SC. Gary was "Livin the Inlet Life." He got to know local bartenders at the Marshwalk. They called him the "Mustache Man" and affectionately referred to him as "The Keeper of the Flame" not only did he keep the fireplace going at Bubbas Love Shak, he kept a roaring fire going at home, and while camping. He loved the music of local bands, especially the Josh Brannon Band and Cornbread. Gary loved listening to their music and the comradery he made with everyone he met.

In recent years Gary enjoyed being at home with Sandy, he had quite the "Green Thumb", he actually planted a California Coastal Redwood at his home in South Carolina, and had numerous thriving houseplants, and named all of them! He also started cooking more, and his delicious recipes were known by all his friends and family.

Gary leaves behind his loving wife Sandy Silveria Hicks, daughter Lisa Hicks and her partner John Harford. His brothers; Dale Hicks, Bruce Hicks and wife Kristie, Brian Hicks and his partner Tina, sister-in-laws; Patty Silveria and Jeannie Wofford. He also leaves behind many treasured nieces, nephews, and loving cousins. He additionally leaves behind his lifelong and cherished best friend Julie Solari and her family; Chris Cumby, Desiree, Reagan, Zach, Baby Omar, and his Goddaughter Misty Cumby. As well as Larry and Pauline Lauridsen, and Linda and Hugh Smith. Gary's life was a blessing, and his legacy is a treasure. He was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure by everyone who knew him.

As Gary wanted, a family get together will be arranged at a future date.

In lieu of flowers the family request to please make a donation in Gary's name to your favorite charity.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.