Earl R Hickey

Earl R. Hickey, 81, of McDonald, after a lengthy illness went home to be with the Lord Thursday, March 29, 2012 at his residence. He was a member of Ooltewah Church of God. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army where he served in the Korean War. He was a former president of the United Paper Workers International Union, Hiwassee Land Division. He retired from Bowater in 1993 after 25 years of service. Following his retirement, he was instrumental in the organization and operation of the McDonald Volunteer Fire Department and was commander of Station #4 for five years. He was active in McDonald Ruritan Club and served as President for two terms. Earl enjoyed signing bass in a gospel quartet, reading and playing golf. He was preceded by his parents, William H. and Emma L. Hickey; brothers: George Hickey, Billy Hickey, Paul Hickey and Luther Hickey; and sister, Mildred Walker. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Alvena Russell Hickey of McDonald; daughter, Dr. Gail Hickey and husband, Robert Humphreys of Fort Wayne, IN; son, Reverend Curtis Hickey and wife, Mona of Monroe, NC; grandchildren Ethan Hickey and Jena Hickey; sisters, Naomi Waggle of Kokomo, IN and Lois Dowden of Greentown, IN; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 A.M., Monday April 2, 2012 in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral with his son, Reverend Curtis Hickey and Reverend Gary Beck officiating. Interment will follow in Corinth Baptist Cemetery in McDonald with military honors. The Volunteer Fireman of Bradley County will serve as pallbearers. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service. The family will receive friends 5 – 8 p.m. on Sunday April 1, 2012 at the funeral home. The family suggests that memorials be made to the Bradley County Fire and Rescue, 260 Inman Street, Cleveland, TN 37364 We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Hickey guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.