Walter G. Hicks

Walter G. Hicks, 74, of Goose Creek, SC, passed away on February 14 peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family at the Medical University Hospital in Charleston. Walt was born in Charlotte, NC, March 23, 1940, graduated from West Mecklenburg High School, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from North Carolina State University in 1962. He also earned graduate degrees with a Master of Business Administration at Northwest Missouri State University and a Master of Science in Systems Management at the University of Southern California. Walt was married to his high school sweetheart Martha Keistler on September 9, 1961 at the Ascension Lutheran Church. Walt and his twin brother Marvin grew up with Martha’s brothers and sister in the Berryhill section of Charlotte, NC. Walt was a commissioned US Army Officer and served 21 years active duty until retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1983. He was a Senior Army Aviator and an Airborne Paratrooper. During his first Vietnam tour at Dong Ba Thin, while assigned to the 117th Assault Helicopter Company, he flew UH-1 (Huey) helicopters moving troops in and out of combat. In the second tour with the 307th Combat Aviation Battalion in Soc Tang and Can Tho, he served as the Battalion Assistant S-3 (Operations) and as Commander of the Battalion Headquarters Company. After Vietnam, Walt attended the Field Artillery Officers’ Advance Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he was an Honor Graduate. He was then assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, Ft Bragg, NC as an artillery battalion S-3 and then as the Executive Officer. Later at Ft. Bragg, he became Commanding Officer of the 182nd Assault Helicopter Company. Then, Walt served in Germany as Readiness Branch Chief of the Headquarters of the US Army, Europe (USAEUR). He later moved to VII Corps as the Corps Aviation Officer and Deputy Commander of the 164th Aviation Group. Walt was an Honor Graduate of the Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. His medals include The Bronze Star, The Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, 9 Air Medals, and The Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. After retiring from the Army, Walt lived in California for 20 years; working in the defense industry, and finished his career managing chemical/biological detection projects. Walt is survived by his two children, Christina Walsh, and her husband John; Julia DeSantis and her husband Paul; five grandchildren including Brendan and Madeline Walsh and Aaron, Garrett, and Samuel DeSantis; his brother, Marvin G. Hicks; his nieces and nephews; and many other family and friends. Walt is preceded in death by his parents, H. George Hicks and Kathlee Cox Hicks. Walt’s legacy is marked with enduring love for his wife Martha, self-effacing leadership, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to the core value of doing what is right in every aspect of life. Walt’s passions were bicycling, playing golf, reading, and spending time with his family. After retiring, he continued to contribute to his community by serving on the Silver Lakes Homeowners Association, serving as Handicap Chairman, and organizing and leading weekly golf tournaments. He enjoyed the competitiveness of golf while playing at Crowfield Club in Goose Creek and at Silver Lakes, China Lake and Sunset Hills in California making lifelong friends. Until the time of his death, Walt was an avid cyclist and fitness enthusiast. He experienced great joy and satisfaction from getting on his bike and conquering 15-20 miles. The service will be held at on February 19, at 11:00 am at Grace Lutheran Church (www.grace-lcms.net) located at 1600 Old Trolley Road, Summerville, SC 29485. The burial ceremony will be at Fort Jackson National Cemetery located at 4170 Percival Road, Columba, SC on Friday, February 20 at 11:00.AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 1600 Old Trolley Road, Summerville, SC 29485. A memorial website for comments, prayers, and condolences can be found at http://mcalister-smith.com.