With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Willie Hickman of Ullin, IL.
A life remembered begins, simply, with the telling.
What is taught through a parent's example outlasts what is taught through their words.
Willie Hickman 91 of Ullin, Illinois was born February 11, 1935 to the late Alvin Hickman, SR. and Josephine Hickman in Pulaski, Illinois. He departed this life on Sunday April 26, 2026 at Deaconess Union County Hospital in Anna, Illinois. Willie was raised in Southern Illinois and later moved to Decatur, Illinois where he worked for Caterpillar Company in the Security department for many years until his retirement. Willie accepted Christ at an early age and loved the Lord with his whole heart. He was ordained as a Deacon in Decatur under the Pastorship of Anthony Fluker. He later married Charlene Massie and the union relocated to Ullin, Illinois. Willie and Charlene joined St. John Praise and Worship Center in Pulaski, Illinois under the leadership of Dr. Larry T. Barnett, SR..
Willie loved to travel, play checkers and spend time with family. The last few years as his health began to fail he was a resident of Integrity Health Care in Anna, Illinois where he enjoyed the fellowship between him and his sister Rev. Evangelist Alene Reed who ministers at the home every week and would give him a little special attention by reading the scriptures and having service with him personally every Tuesday.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Josephine Hickman, one son Willie Mays, two sisters; Mary Ealey and Joyce Algee, six brothers: Eugene Meeks, Nathaniel Hollis, Alfred Cherry, Otis Cherry, Roland Cherry and Alvin Hickman, Jr.
Willie leaves to cherish his memory his wife Charlene Hickman, two children; Gilbert Ross and Vickie Marable, two sisters, Lorene Beverly and Rev. Evangelist Alene Reed, two brothers Alphonso (Maria) Cherry and Elder Freddie (Nancy) Green, one Special cousin whom he grew up with Jimmie Turner, three step- sons: Darwin (Malika) Roddy, William "Laddie" Roddy and Davelle (Sherry) Massie, two god children, Jamie Lynn Fluker and John Fluker, his barbers, Ann Walker and Timothy Johnson a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
Services for Willie Hickman will be held on Friday May 8, 2026 at 12:00 pm at St. John Praise and Worship Center in Pulaski, Illinois with Pastor Dr. Larry T. Barnett, SR. Eulogist and Rev. Evangelist Alene Reed will deliver words of comfort. Visitation will be Friday at the church from 11:00 AM until the funeral hour at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow in the Ullin Westside Cemetery. Professional services and care were Entrusted to Massie Funeral Home in Mounds, Illinois. Online condolences may be left at massiefuneralhome.com
To send a flower arrangement in memory of Willie Hickman, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
