Rev. Douglas Hicks

Rev. Douglas Hicks, 77, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Friday morning, December 7, 2018, at his home surrounded by family and friends in Flint, Texas. He was born in Ruston, Louisiana on January 10, 1941, to parents Clarence and Josie Hicks.

While serving his country in the United States Army, he met the love of his life, Diana Retta, at a bus station in Laredo, Texas, on September 16, 1961. In May of 1962, their love story of 56 years began when they married in San Antonio, Texas, while he was stationed at Fort Sam Houston. After being honorably discharged from the United States Army, they relocated to North Louisiana.

Rev. Hicks served his life's calling as a Minister for 50 years. In 1967, he was ordained as a Southern Baptist minister. In 1969, Diana Hicks began attending a Pentecostal prayer meeting. Weeks later, her husband followed suit and began attending the Pentecostal Church of Arcadia, Louisiana. By September 1971, Rev. Hicks was a Pentecostal preacher. In 1972, he accepted the position as Pastor of the First United Pentecostal Church of Farmerville, Louisiana. In March of 1978, Rev. Hicks and family relocated to Kingsville, Texas, to pastor the First United Pentecostal Church of Kingsville, for 35 years. In 2017, he served as Pastor of Greater Life Pentecostal Church in Chandler, Texas. Throughout his years as a minister, he also traveled extensively all over the Country of Mexico, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In addition, he served as a board member of the South Texas District of the United Pentecostal Church International. He was the owner of Hicks & Company, while also serving as City Commissioner and Mayor of Kingsville, Texas, for several years. In July of 2016, Rev. Hicks and his wife relocated to Tyler, Texas.

Rev. Hicks was well known for his love of telling jokes, laughter, and hugs, which became fondly known as "The Hicks Hug". He also enjoyed working in his yard with his wife and tending to their garden and animals. Up until the last two months of his life, he spent many hours on his riding lawnmower.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Diana Hicks; daughters and son-in-laws, Sandra and Adrian Cortez, Vicki and Adam Smith, and Raquel and Dr. Rob Carpenter; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and his brother John Hicks. He is preceded in death by son, Rev. Steve Hicks; his parents; five sisters and four brothers.

The family will receive guests for visitation, Monday, December 10, 2018, 6-8 p.m., at The Sanctuary of Houston, 4400 Fulton, Houston, Texas, 77009. A Celebration of Life will be held, Tuesday, December 11, 2018, 10 a.m., also at The Sanctuary of Houston. Burial immediately to follow at Brookside Memorial Park, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas 77039.