Barry Thomas Hicks

Barry Thomas Hicks died on April 26, 2026, at Hospice of Dayton. He was born June 8, 1957. He was the son of James A. and Mildred Katherine (Crum) Hicks. Barry graduated from West Carrollton High School Class of 1975. He was also a graduate from McGregor University a part of Antioch University in Yellow Springs.

Barry was a beautiful child full of adventure, sports, and falls. He loved to play. Whether it was football, basketball, tennis, or baseball with his little sister. Barry tried so hard to teach his older sister how to swing a bat; meet the ball, do not try to kill it. He played football in Junior High and was in cross country in High School. Through his 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s he would run five miles each day.

He was also a formidable percussionist. He was in concert and marching bands, in High School. He loved playing pickup football games not only because he enjoyed playing but he also loved the social aspects.

Barry went beyond those early days and was a leader. He worked in lawn care as his first profession and worked into having his own company. After this he worked in construction with his Uncle Dave and then he and a friend started a small framing company and finish carpentry company.

He kept this going even when he found his best calling, which was working with UPS. He started as a temporary holiday worker and worked full time and then from union to management. He spent 19 years as a manager for UPS. He was in his element. Leadership, managing problems, moving, and thinking quickly were all part of who he was. He led people with not only his brain but also his charisma.

Ah that charisma. Barry had the ability to charm women with his handsome looks, broad shoulders, and witty banter. He charmed his way into four marriages with Karen, Kriston, Paula, and Siobhán. He also had many girlfriends in between. Barry always had beauty on his arm in his heyday.

Barry was also a scholar earning two bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in business while still working full time at UPS.

Barry was important to so many and especially his family. He was a great son, who helped his mom when she was going through cancer by running procuring hard to find medications and just spending time with her. He also helped his dad in his old age. He and dad had many projects that could be challenging but also fun and always would end up as a run to the tractor store. He was a brother who loved his sisters and brother and would be there when he could with support and love. He was an uncle and loved his nieces and nephews. He was especially close to his niece Chrissy, and she loved him back for all he did for her.

Barry was a Christian most of all who had a belief in God and His salvation which gives us peace now as we say good-bye to the wonderful person who now even in death is reaching out to others with the gift or his body using his tissue to help others to live longer lives. He would love to know that parts of him live on in others.

Proceeded in death by his parents, James A and Mildred Katherine (Crum) Hicks, his brother James Edward Hicks, his nieces Jennifer Katherine (Thomas) Smith and Mary Christine Thomas. Survived by his brother Donald David Hicks and his wife Joyce, his sister Mary Kathering Thomas and her husband Richard, and his sister Virginia Terry Hicks. He also has two nephews, Robert James Hicks, and his wife Sarah, and Richard James Thomas. He also has great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

There will be a graveside service only. Saturday May 23rd 12:00 pm. Hicks Cemetery, Demory Road, LaFollette, Tennessee. Barry loved sports so everyone is welcome to wear a T-Shirt from their favorite sports team, college, or professional. Even if you cannot attend in person where a sports shirt that day to remember him, if you can. We will not have any seating so if you cannot stand for ½ an hour please feel free to bring your own camp chair. 

To share a memory of Barry or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.