Gary Wayne Hicks 72, formerly of Steele, Missouri passed away on Thursday July 3, 2025, at the NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro, He was the child of Goldie  "G.A." and Lottie (Gestring) Hicks he was born February 28, 1953 (Baby of the family) His sister, Doris, says it's a wonder that he ever learned to walk because she carried him around all the time.

Gary grew up in Steele and had a blessed childhood. Memories told by Gary about his nicknames: He enjoyed riding his pedal car down to a local station to get a drink, where they called him the "Pepsi Cola Kid." Another nickname was "Shadow" because he was always following an older brother around, and someone said, "There goes Jerry's shadow" that name stayed with Gary for many years. Gary graduated from South Pemiscot High School with the class of 1971, where he was active in sports and band. He married Debbie Sharp on April 30, 1974, at the First Baptist Church in Steele. To this union, three children were born, Gary, Shari, and Julie. Gary worked as a truck driver, and he served as a Steele police officer for many years. Gary never met a stranger, and he always said his favorite thing to do was to make people laugh. He was a fun-loving character, always finding ways to make people laugh and always ready to tell a joke. (He always said he wanted a joke button on his casket for someone to push to hear him). We don't have that button, but we are blessed to have recordings of him singing at church. He brought audience members to laughter with tears when he was in a Steele Womanless Beauty contest back in the 80's with his flamboyant personality and belly dancing skills. Another talent he often used was being able to make the sound of an old-fashioned train whistle. He also could do voices and an amazing Tarzan call. He loved hunting and was proud to display his 17-point buck. He learned to cook at a young age, being that the only way his dad and brothers would allow him to go to the deer camp was if he cooked, cleaned and fetched stuff. With this experience, he became THE COOK of the deer camp. In the evenings, other campers, from all around, would join them for laughter and entertainment, making fun memories.  He also loved fishing with family and friends. Debbie loved fishing too, so they even spent their honeymoon at Reelfoot Lake. Gary was a member of the Nunnery Chapel General Baptist Church, where he was an adult Sunday School teacher and deacon. He was also gifted with a musical ability in singing and he would sing at Nunnery Chapel.  Whenever he heard music, you would always catch him tapping his foot to the beat. Gary was a very loving and generous person. He will be missed. Comments to us have included that "along with his great sense of humor, he was the kindest and sweetest person they ever met."

He was preceded in death by his parents G.A. & Lottie Hicks, one sister Alma Jo Burdine, & three brothers, Donnie, Jerry and Jimmy Hicks.

He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife Debbie of 51 years of Paragould, AR

Three children: Gary Wayne Hicks II and his wife Tara of Springfield, TN

Shari (Hicks) Wright and her husband John of Paragould, AR

Julie (Hicks) Potter and her husband Daniel of Vancleave, MS

Five grandchildren: Katelyn Hicks, Bryce Bailey, Timothy and Elizabeth Wright, & Olivia Potter