Kenneth Rodney Hicks

Kenneth Rodney Hicks, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, aged 78, of Lilburn, GA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on March 2, 2024. Born in 1945 in Bryson City, NC, to Fred Hicks, a local sign business owner, and Doris Hicks, a dedicated public health nurse for Bryson City.

A 1964 graduate of Swain County High School, where he was recognized as the Friendliest in his Senior Class Superlatives, Rodney carried this spirit of kindness throughout his life. He attended Gardner Webb Junior College, where he majored in Business. Here, he met his future wife, Carol McAbee, a native of Mill Spring, NC. Their partnership, beginning in marriage in 1969, was a testament to love and mutual respect. Rodney and Carol moved to Atlanta, GA, where Rodney embarked on a career with the State of Georgia's Child Support Recovery Department and retired in 2002.

More than his professional accomplishments, Rodney cherished his role as a family man. Affectionately known as Paw Paw, he reveled in the joys of parenthood and, perhaps most profoundly, in the delights of grandparenthood. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he dedicated himself to leaving them with a legacy of love and laughter.

Rodney's life was one of connection and generosity. He possessed a natural ability to make those around him feel seen and valued, whether through a joke or a helping hand. In his own words, he lived his life as best as he could with what he had.

Predeceased by his parents, Fred and Doris Hicks, and his sister, Diane Hicks Hoyle, Rodney's memory will be cherished and kept alive by his wife of 54 years, Carol Hicks; his son, Andy Hicks; his daughter and son-in-law, Allison and Matt Kaczenski; and his adored grandchildren, Caden and Katelyn Kaczenski and Maverick Hicks, who were his greatest joys.

In celebration of Rodney's life, a celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 2 PM at Floral Hills Funeral Home (3150 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker, GA). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the SATB2 Gene Foundation, honoring Rodney's cherished granddaughter, Katelyn, who was born with SATB2-Associated Syndrome. Contributions can support this cause online at www.satb2gene.org or by mail to 3050 Five Forks Trickum Road, Suite D-524, Lilburn, GA 30047, in Rodney's memory. His legacy of kindness, humor, and compassion will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him.