DL, USAF ret. Lt. Col. Raymond Keith Hicks

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL, USAF ret. Lt. Col. Raymond Keith Hicks

August 15, 1954 ~ November 8, 2021

Born in: Atlanta, GA

Resided in: Villa Rica, GA

…..joined Delta Air Lines 09-19-1986

 

https://www.wagesandsons.com/obits/raymond-keith-hicks/ 

Obituary : Lt. Col. Raymond Keith Hicks, age 67, of Villa Rica, GA, proud veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away Monday, November 8, 2021. The son of Raymond William Hicks and Betty Gouge Hicks was born and raised in Stone Mountain, GA. Keith learned to fly and developed his love of aviation alongside his father in his Mooney M20F.

Keith attended Tulane University on an ROTC scholarship earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, graduating with honors. While serving in the military, Keith earned a Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Keith was commissioned in 1976 into the Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was on active duty for 10 years, flying A-10 Thunderbolts and instructing in the T-37. He then accepted a Reserve commission in 1986 and was hired by Delta Airlines, where he flew nearly the entire Boeing fleet working his way to retire in 2019 after 33 years as a Captain on the 767-400ER. He was truly a master of his craft- a tremendously skilled pilot.

His greatest love in life was his family. Known as Papa, he adored his grandchildren, and nothing made him happier than spending time with them and teaching them everything from fishing to sailing to shooting a bow and arrow.

Keith is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sandra Stowder Hicks, his daughters Jennifer Hicks Morrissey and Katherine Hicks, his son-in-law, Maj. Noah Morrissey, and his three beloved grandchildren. A service is being held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Rush and Kathryn Adams Limbaugh Family Foundation would be appreciated. Express condolences at www.wagesandsons.com