Earl Hickman

Earl Franklin Hickman went to be with the Lord on May 9th, 2025,while living at the Veteran’s Victory House in Walterboro, SC. He passed peacefully while surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded in death by his loving parents Talmadge and Ruth Hickman, and his fun-loving siblings Mary Sanders and Leroy and James Hickman. He is survived by his remaining siblings John Hickman, Irene Derrick and their families.  He is also leaving behind his 3 children Carolyn Walker, LaRaine Fess, Earl Hickman Jr., and their families along with his many loving nieces and nephews.

Earl Hickman lived a full life with many accomplishments.  He was born February 4th, 1941.  He grew up in the mill village of Olympia.  He was a graduate of Olympia High school, and he was proud to be known as a “linthead,” because he also worked at Olympia Mill.  When he was in High School, he was known for his artistic abilities and being a beast on the football field where he was a star running back.  After High School he became a United States Marine.  He was stationed at Camp Lejeune.

After his service he was a welder until he realized he loved to write music.  In the 70’s he became a song writer and producer.  He wrote and produced several songs with his top songs being Elvis was Saved, Little Lisa, Yellow Hound, and In Room 102. In the 80’s and 90’s he worked hard to become a business owner.  He owned Professional Drain and Waterproofing for over 20 years. He was married for 20 years, and  he retired in early 2000’s.

Earl was a Christian man who loved to sing, write songs, spend time with family and friends, and read.  Earl was an avid reader.  His favorite book to read was the Bible.  However, Earl was best known for storytelling.  He could take any story and add embellishments to make people laugh or cry.  Either way he could hold your attention.

In his free time, he loved helping others.  Sometimes you could find Earl being a taxi to those who did not own a car to run errands. Or he would help his neighbors by cutting their grass to stay busy.  He continued to write songs until he couldn’t when he was diagnosedwith dementia and Alzheimer’s.  Even then, he didn’t stop telling stories.  A fond memory was when he convinced his nurses and CNA’s he was a former Mob Boss in hiding.  They believed him for a few months until his daughter corrected the story.    They all laughed athow convincing he was as a mob boss.

Earl was a blessing to all who knew him.  His strongest trait was always being available for his family and friends.  You could call him at 1:30 pm or 2:30am and he would always answer the phone.  Earl was always there when you needed him, and now the Lord needed to come home.  He will be missed but he leaves behind a life full of fun and amazing memories with stories to share.   He would want his funeral to be a celebration of his life.  He lived to serve God to the best of his abilities.  He was a loving Brother, Father, and Friend.  We will miss you daddy, and we will see you again.