Orville L Hicks

Orville L. Hicks came into this world in a tiny house near Hurricane Creek in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee on Sept. 29, 1930.  He was the oldest son of eight children born to Ferbie and Flossie Buchanan Hicks.

Orville, later, bought the farm on which he was born and he and his wife of 74 years, Clatie Summers Hicks, built a home on the hill overlooking the scenic cattle-dotted farm below, with its picturesque barn and ponds.  Many a fish fry was held at the farm for family and friends.  Rook games continued through the night and usually ended with him “Shooting the Moon” and always winning!  Orville was a member of the Glenwood United Methodist Church.  Orville and his father Ferbie, built and operated Hicks Grocery.  Most people knew it as the “The Little Country Store” just outside of town on Hwy 13 South.  The store was later sold to Frank & Betty Horton and became Horton’s.  It was, lastly owned,  by Jennifer Vanderford, before the widening of Highway 13 took the building.

Orville hauled an uncountable number of cattle for farmers in Humphreys and surrounding counties.  He was a staple at the sale barns.  He was one of several men instrumental in the opening of the Humphreys County Co-Op, giving famers a place to purchase necessities locally.  He signed his name to a loan, along with a handful of other men, to start a veterinary clinic so that farmers had a doctor readily available.  The Waverly Animal Clinic and a young beginning vet, Dr. Louis Anderson, were a much needed asset to the farmers and families of Humphreys County.  Orville also, served as a board member for Farm Credit.  Orville and Clatie operated their farm under the name Hurricane Valley Farm.  They raised registered Black Angus cattle.  Daughters, Carolyn and Gail, showed cattle and horses.  Loves they shared with their Daddy.  His favorite horse was a Racking horse named, Pete.  Pete was a walking horse, trained by Petie Warren, who had gotten injured and was blind in one eye.  Orville and Pete went on to win numerous ribbons and trophies doing what they loved.  Orville, also, looked forward to surprising everyone with his creative and silly antics in the Country Pleasure Class.  Orville and Clatie built and operated the Food Corral Restaurant at I 40 Buffalo.  They specialized in fried catfish.  The restaurant was run by family and friends and was always busy.  Orville and Clatie enjoyed auctions.  At one time, they ran a food wagon for Bogard Auctions.  Orville was an avid fisherman and hunter, having many tales of adventures with his family and friends.  He was blessed to be able to fish with his great grandchildren and loved watching them with their catch.  In later years, Orville and Clatie sold the farm on Hurricane Creek and purchased the family home place on Highway 13 South in Waverly, across the road from the old store.  This farm is known for its beautiful yard and flowers and, of course, a hillside of roaming cattle.  He loved to sit and watch the baby calves run and play.  The family farm, at one time ran the length of Highway 13 from below the old store to the top of the hill.  Orville’s father, Ferbie, donated the land for the building of the hospital for Humphreys County.  Originally named the Nautilus Hospital, it has changed names several times, now being Ascension St. Thomas, Waverly.  Orville L. Hicks: husband, Daddy, PawPaw, brother, nephew, Mr. Orville, uncle Orville, friend to all, passed to his heavenly home at the Waverly hospital, surrounded by his loving family on March 28, 2023, at the age of 92.  Orville lived an outstanding life and was a wonderful example for everyone.  He will be laid to rest in the Ferbie Hicks Cemetery on the hillside overlooking the farm.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 74 years Clatie Summers Hicks, Waverly, TN, Daughter; Carolyn Hicks (Wayne) McNeil, Hurricane Mills, 5 Granddaughters; Veronica (Chirs) Fowlkes, Hurricane Mills, Monica (Jeff) Spann, Hurricane Mills, Christi (Tim) Sipes, Cedar Grove, TN, Ashley (Jared) Griffith, Waverly, TN, 10 Great Grandchildren; Jesse, Case & Arlee Fowlkes,  Kailey & Kassie Spann, Apryl Sipes, Cheyenne Agosto, & Justin Griffith, Brother; John (June) Hicks, Waverly, TN, Sister; Marie Bell, Waverly, TN, Sister In Law; Sue Hicks, Jackson, TN, Uncle; Del Buchanan, Memphis, TN, and Numerous Nieces & Nephews.

He is preceded in death by his Parents;  Ferbie & Flossie Buchanan Hicks, Daughter; Gail Hicks, Brother; Jim Hicks, Sisters; Dot Davis, Kathleen Dabbs, Betty Ann Mulliniks, Nellie Burch, and Uncle; Pety (Avis) Buchanan.

Visitation for Mr. Orville Hicks will be held on Saturday, April 1, from 5 PM-8PM, and on Sunday, April 2, from 12PM until the time of service at 2PM, at Luff-Bowen Funeral Home in Waverly.  Bro. Keith Buchanan will officiate the service.  Interment will be at the Ferbie Hicks Family Cemetery in Waverly.  Pallbearers will be Jesse Fowlkes, Case Fowlkes, Justin Griffith, Davy Buchanan, Eugene Summers, Kenneth Marrs, Honorary Pallbearers will be Anthony Summers, Tony Poteet, Kevin Burch, Greg Rushton, and Darrell Patterson.