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Gregory "Greg" Joseph Hicks peacefully left this world on Friday, March 15, 2024, after a brief battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was welcomed by his parents Josephine Hicks- Rowell (Alderman) and Lester Hicks, whom he has missed since their departure.
Greg was born on February 22, 1949, at Wheeling Hospital. His mother enjoyed telling the story of his birth, as he was premature, weighing only 2 lbs, and had to be fed by a medicine dropper. People who knew Greg were always amazed, as he was a large man, both in stature and personality. Though many may have been turned off by his dry sense of humor, and directness, Greg was more.
Greg is survived by his wife of nearly 31 years, Faith Hicks, his brother Cortney Hicks (Ruby, their two sons, and families), his two (step) children, Sarah Benson (Christopher Hortert), Joshua Benson (Jessica), and his five grandchildren, Jazlyn (14), Maya (13), Lilliah (9), Eleanor (9), and Rhoe (5). His grandchildren delighted him. He found humor in being with them, enjoyed joking with them, retelling stories of them, and was proud of who they are!
Greg lived his early life in West Alexander, PA, and lost his father at the age of 14. Greg and his older brother became latchkey children as their mother took on the role of supporting the family. Greg fondly recalled his young life, playing baseball with his friends, and returning home at dark after being outside all day.
Greg graduated from West Liberty State College with a degree in business. He spent much of his young adulthood near his mother in the Ohio Valley and worked as an auditor. In the 80s, he moved to FL to live in the sun with his beloved basset hound, Polly. He returned to the Ohio Valley in the 90s. After marrying Faith, he frequently took the family to FL for family vacations to Universal Studios. He and Faith also vacationed in FL alone where they brought home a kid of the fur kind, Tasmanian Devil, a basset hound. Taz was Greg's 3rd and usually favorite child, he did not talk back. Greg and Faith would continue to share their family love with Frederick Silas, the basset hound who succeeded Taz. Greg coached both Sarah's and Josh's baseball teams. It was impossible to ignore his calls to them or the referee. He continued to support his children in varying ways throughout his life. Besides working as an auditor, Greg also worked in technology and loved working with computers. He opened his own computer repair business. He also had a brief stint as a realtor. When Greg was not working, he could be found watching sports of any sort, as long as it wasn't soccer. He loved all Pittsburgh teams and did his best to encourage a love of sports in his family.
Loyalty was important to Greg. He was loyal to his wife and friends, his cherished basset hounds were loyal to him. As was common for his generation, shows of emotions were not typical. Greg rarely showed emotions, but you felt his love and loyalty when he did.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to BAGS Basset Rescue, 3355 Anderson Ave., Minerva, OH 44657 or in C/O www.tmc funding.com.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.altmeyerfuneral homes.com.