Joe Smith Hickman

Waynesville, Joe Smith Hickman, age 91, passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023 at his home surrounded by loving family.

A native of Jackson, Tennessee, he was a son of William Hickman and Cora Smith Hickman.  He was also preceded in death by his dear daughter, Janice Williams and his two brothers, Richard and William Hickman.

Joe honorably served his Country as a member of the US Air Force during the Korean War and after his tour of duty he worked as an electrician.  He was a man of many interests such as gardening, making wine, and watching college football.  Joe achieved ranking as a Ruby Life Master in bridge and thus was a director and member of the Waynesville Duplicate Bridge Club.  A proud member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church, Joe was talented in the kitchen as shown by the numerous blue ribbons he won at the county fair for his bread and jellies.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Patricia Kaiser Hickman; two sons, Phillip Hickman (Rhonda) and David Hickman; son-in-law, Michael Williams; five grandchildren, Dr. John Russel McGuire (Carmie), Patti Baumgartner (Tim), Dr. Lauren Curnutt (Bobby), Phyllis Hickman, and Patrick Hickman; and five great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, 2023 in the Waynesville chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Sharon Davis and Reverend Paul Davenport officiating.  Burial will be at Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Park with military honors.  The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.