Athel Hickman

View Video TributeView Funeral Webcast Athel Allen Hickman, 87, retired employee of DuPont/Spontex and resident of Columbia, died Friday, December 5, 2014, at NHC Hillview. Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 10:00 A.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Rev. Thomas Vann and Pastor Angy Trimmer officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery with military honors at graveside provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post #19. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 2:00 - 5:00 P.M. at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to Craft Memorial United Methodist Church, 907 Hatcher Lane, Columbia, TN 38401 or Central High School Athletic Fund, 921 Lion Parkway, Columbia, TN 38401. Condolences may be offered online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born June 15, 1927, in Columbia, he was the son of the late Hubert Hickman and Lula Pearl Tice Hickman. On May 28, 1947, he married the former Evelyn Carpenter who preceded him in death on September 23, 2013. Mr. Hickman served in the Merchant Marines with a tour in Italy. In his younger years, he was employed by TVA and sold awnings for several years prior to his career and retirement from DuPont/Spontex. After his retirement, his favorite hobby was working on the family homeplace on Moore Lane. Very civic minded, he was a former Columbia City Councilman and had served on the Columbia Power System Board. His favorite pastimes include hunting, fishing, camping and traveling. He and Mrs. Hickman were proud supporters of the Columbia Lions and attended most of their football and basketball games. An avid fan of Mule Day, Mr. Hickman always claimed that he had attended the very first one. He was a regular attendee and contributor to the Table of Knowledge at Bucky's Restaurant. He enjoyed dancing with The Wagon Wheelers for many years, but most of all he enjoyed his family. He was a member of Craft Memorial United Methodist Church. Survivors include his daughters, Donna (Tommy) Briggs of Florence, Alabama; Paula (Glenn) Brewer of Columbia; son, Eddie (Sheila) Hickman of Columbia; grandchildren, Burt (Amy) Briggs, Troy (Judith) Briggs, Donya Briggs (Brad) Scott, Sarah Elizabeth Hickman (Sean) McLeod, Gina Brewer (Ricky) Randall, and Dustin Brewer; eleven great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; and special nephew, Randell Dooley. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Bart Briggs; sisters, Opal Montgomery and Evelyn Armstrong; and brother, Edward Hickman. Active pallbearers will be Burt Briggs, Troy Briggs, Dustin Brewer, Ricky Randall, Sean McLeod, Brad Scott, and Randell Dooley. Honorary pallbearers include Lee Claiborne, Jerry White, members of James Underwood Sunday School Class at Craft Memorial United Methodist Church, former DuPont/Spontex employees, and former members of The Wagon Wheelers. The family wishes to extend special thanks to our loving caregivers, Rhonda West, Kim Moss, Ann Hendrix, Terri Lynn Massey, Mandi Lewis, Christy Reese, Dr. Thomas Dake, and staffs of Sterling House and NHC Hillview.