William
E. Hicks, formerly of Fairport, NY, passed away on Saturday, February 6, 2021.
William
was predeceased by his wife, Bettie; his mother, Eleanor; his father, William
G.; and his brother, Thomas.
He
is survived by his daughter Sharon (Brian) Colling; son Thomas (Beverly) Hicks;
four grandchildren: Tracy, Jaime, Brian (KC) and Jason (Rachel); and six
great-grandchildren: Nathan, Brandon, Samantha, Thomas, William and Kaylee.
William
served in the U.S. Army from 1943 – 1946, fighting bravely in WWII in the Asian
Theater in Burma, India and China.
In
1949, he and Bettie got married and started their family together.
William
worked in the transportation industry for his entire career and served as
President of Empire Trailways. He retired in March 1990, and he and Bettie
traveled in their motorhome with their two dogs, Bismarck and Lukie, to meet up
with retired bus driver friends and their families. They eventually bought a
home in Florida, where they spent winters for quite a few years after
retirement.
Eventually,
William and Bettie moved back to New York full time, to a townhome in Greece.
William was a loving and caring father, grandfather and great-grandfather who
always put his family first.
William
considered Jack Barker to be a dear friend. The two worked together for
decades, and William and Bettie enjoyed getting together for dinner and cards
with Jack, and his wife, Janie. William and Jack also loved to go to the casino
together to play blackjack.
William
had several friends from his days at Empire Trailways who he remained close to
over the years.
In
2018, William moved to the Woodlands in Fairport, where he formed a lot of
close friendships he cherished until he moved in November 2020. From there, he
went to Serenity House Comfort Care, where he received wonderful care from the
kind, loving aides there. He could not have asked for a better place to spend
his final days.
William
was a member of the Olive Branch Masonic Lodge No. 39, as well as a member of the
Lalla Rookh Grotto of Rochester. (perfumesample.com)
Calling
hours will be held on Monday, February 15, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Richard
Keenan Funeral Home at 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road. Funeral services will be
held on Tuesday, February 16, at 11 a.m., at the main chapel at White Haven
Memorial Park at 210 Marsh Road Pittsford, NY.
In
lieu of flowers, William’s family requests donations to the Serenity House –
1278 Brace Road Victor, NY 14564.
Comments
14 responses to “Hicks, William E.”
Thanks to Bill for hiring me and able to have a good 15 years driving motorcoach while working with Jack Barker and Red. Great memories from doing tours and charters for Empire Trailways.
Thanks to Bill for hiring me and able to have a good 15 years driving motorcoach while working with Jack Barker and Red. Great memories from doing tours and charters for Empire Trailways.
What a wonderful man. Drove Trailways part time back in the 60’s & 70’s.
RIP “Red”
A great man manager and president and owner,it was great to have meet you Rest In Peace and drive away.
I worked for “Red” for 10 years and am proud to call him my friend. He was always available to listen and discuss anything with you. Every year(in June) he and Bettie would join with several of us for dinner and to remember the old days. We laughed and cried together and those days will be missed. Sadly, we have lost two wonderful people within a few days of each other. I know that both Red and Marilynn have joined their loving spouses and are at peace, not suffering. My heart is breaking for their families and wish them well.
I worked for Red Hicks for many years. Red was great person to work for and he loved the bus business. My sincere sympathy to his family.
Sharon, I was sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing, It is always hard to say goodbye to our parents, especially during this pandemic.You are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
Sharon, Brian and family, we are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was such a great guy and we enjoyed seeing both your parents over the years.Sharon you have been such a great daughter to them both and it is so hard to see him go. They are together now and you and your family have such great memories of your time together. Our deepest sympathy. Love, Cliff and Sherri
RED I worked for you at Empire Trailways for 30 years , you was a great leader, I thank GOD for you . Rest In Peace:
“Red” who could ask for a better man? What a pleasure to work at Empire Trailways with “Red” at the helm. Our saddest day ever was when he
announced his retirement. Thank you “Red” for the wonderful memories we will keep close in our hearts. God Bless and Rest in Peace after 97 years on earth.
Red and Betty were two special people in my life. I was grateful to have worked at Empire Trailways for several years. Red Hicks and Bill Hanselman were the best!!! My deepest condolences to your family.
Red, it was an honor and a privilege to work for you at Empire Trailways. You made it a great place to be. Sending our deepest sympathies to your family.
I did not know Bill very long but was glad to call him my friend.
I worked in the office with “Red” for 18 years. He always kept his door open, laughed loudly, and enjoyed a visit to chat. He was very interested in his employees. You really felt that he valued your work. He joined in all the office parties and was a fantastic boss. We lost one of the good ones. Rest in peace.