A Celebration of Life for Dr. David James Hickman, Sr., Sunrise, February 28, 1937, Sunset, July 16, 2016, Homegoing Service, Saturday, July 23, 2016, 1:00 P.M., Williamson Mortuary, LLC, 1410 Highway 38, Riverdale, Georgia, 30296, Reverend Kevin Turner, Officiating

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Sunrise February 28, 1937

Sunset
July 16, 2016

Saturday, July 23, 2016 1:00 P.M.
1410 Highway 138, SW Riverdale, Georgia 30296 Reverend Kevin Turner, Officiating

Dr. David James Hickman, Sr., lost his battle with lung cancer on Saturday, July 1 , _ 1". He died peacefully surrounded by his family. David was born on February 28, 1937, to the late Jame: Da\id Hickman and Lucile Hickman.. He was preceded in death by his twin brother Donald Jones Hickman.
Lovingly referred to as "Doc," went to Central High School of Louisville, Kentucky. Where it ;s.-as noticed that he had extraordinary scholastic abilities and at age of 15 he was admitted to Morehouse College car: - admission program on a full scholarship sponsored by the Ford Foundation. While matriculating at 11oreho se LL lege, Doc majored in mathematics and obtained a minor in biology, graduating in 1957. His loYe of m athe:ma k s propelled him to seek advance degrees. He later earned a Master of Science degree and a Doctor of Ph ilosophy degree in mathematics from the University of Notre Dame in pure mathematics. His doctoral dissertation was entitled "The Tschebyscheff Polynomials for Regular Polygons Inscribed in the Unit Circle of the Complex Plane.,
Doc's life was spent in the setvice to mankind through education. Dr. Hickman was very passionate about the education of Black people and centered his career within the Black community primarily teaching at HBCU'S. Doc spent forty,two years as professor of mathematics at the following universities: Missis ippi Valley State University, Southern University of ew Orleans, Prairie View A & M Cniversity, Jackson State University, and Alabama State University. Dr. Hickman has produced numerous students who haYe eamed master's degrees~ pure and applied mathematics, as well as masters, specialists, and doctoral degrees in education.
As a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, since December 12, 1954, David has been affiliated with Chi chapter (Morehouse College); Delta Phi Sigma chapter (Greenwood, Mississippi); Theta Beta Sigma chapter (New Orleans, Louisiana); Alpha Beta Sigma chapter (Houston, Texas), Mu Sigma chapter Oackson, Mississippi); Alpha Eta Sigma chapter (Montgomery, Alabama); and Lambda Sigma chapter (Atlanta, Georgia). He was a charter member of Delta Phi chapter located at Mississippi Valley State University. He has served the local chapters through holding various positions such as: chapter president, chapter secretary, chapter vice president, and various committees. Additionally, he has been elected as the Alabama State Treasurer and has served as the Southern Regional Secretary. Furthermore, he was elected to the Outstanding Sigmas of the Southern Region. In addition to his membership in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, David was a 33rd degree ma:on, Prince Hall Affiliate and a past Deputy of the Valley of the State of Mississippi, Scottish Rites of Free Masonry, Southern Jurisdiction, F. & AM. Moreover, Doc was a founding member of the Sollie B. Norwwod :rvta"onic Lodge =699 F. & A M. Additionally, he was a member of 1st Baptist Church of Montgomery, Alabama where he once served as Sunday School Superintendent.
"While teaching at Mississippi Valley State University, David met Luticha Wise. They married and from this union, they produced six childre~ who will cherish his memory: Ruby Hickman (Roscoe Dukes), David James Hickman Jr., Donald Hickman, Bettie Hickman Oason Perry), Derrick Hickman, and Douglas Hickman (Candice). He also has three grandchildren to cherish his memory: Michael Rasheed Hickman, De'Zsa LaDean Hickman, and Dorian Hickman.
During his leisure time, Doc loved horror movies, enjoyed listening to cia ical music, especially the organ, reading, and on occasion fishing. Dr. David James Hickma~ Sr., was truly loved and will be missed. D - wa5 loved and respected by everyone he met. He left a lasting impression on all that he taught. Dr. Hickman -eli an inspiration for many to achieve their education and to pursue advanced degrees. He never met a stranoer a d a: alwavs willing to help.

Musical Prelude............................................................................................................Keyu.nte l..each Processional................................................................................................ Clergy, Family & Friends Omega Ceremony ............................................................................. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Selection..................................~ "To God Be the Glory"............................................Monaleto lrby Scripture Reading
Old Testament ..................................Psalm 23....................................Reverend Kenneth Blake
Ne\\ Testament .................... II Corinthians 4: 16; 5:9......................Reverend Cosby Eskridge
Pra.yer........................................................................................................... Reverend Kenneth. Blake Selection ...............................................................................:.......................................KeytJ.nte l..each. Reflections (two minutes please) Selection......................................."My Soul's Been Anclwred"..................................Janice Richmond Obituary (Tead silenU,) Selection........................................... "I Won't Complain".............................................Monaleto Irby Eulogy............................................................................................................ Reverend Kevin Turner Proclamations.............................................................................................................Sollie orwood Acknowledgements .............................................................................................. David Hickman, Jr.
"Benediction................................................................................................ Reverend 0:> y "Eskridge
Recessional
Betty Brown Williamson Community Center (DirectlJ behind Williamson Mcrrtuary)

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Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard his cal~ -
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another dny,
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I've found that peace at the close of the daJ.
If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered jOJ. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, and these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
MJ life's been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.

lf tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not here to see, If the sun should rise you find your eyes all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today, While thinking of the many things we didn't get to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too. But when tommTow starts without me please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand.
He said my place was rea~y, in heaven far above
And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But as I turned and walked away a tear fell from my eye. For all my life I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do.
It seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays the good ones and the bad. I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.
If I could relive JesteTday, just even for a while, I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized that this could never be, For emptiness and memories would take the place of me. When I thought of worldl:y things I might miss come tomorrow I thought of you and when I did my heart was filled with sorrow. When I walked through heavens gates 1felt so much at home. God looked down and smiled at me from his great golden throne
He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you" Today your life on earth has passed but here life starts anew.
I promise no tOTJW1TOW, but today wiU always last
And since each day is the same there's no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful so trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do. You ha e been forgiven and now at last JOU're free.
So won't you come and take my hand and share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me don't think we're far apart,
For ew:ry time you think of me, 1'm right here in your heart.

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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Phi Beta Sigma Fratemity, Inc.
We sincerely appreciate all of the cards, calls, visits, emails, text messages, flowers, prayers, and other courtesies expres ed during this time of bereavement and profound sadness. It is our hope and deepest prayer that God in his infinite wisdom, love, and grace will grant you the gift of peace that surpasses all understanding in the days to come. A special acknowledgement is extended for the kindness and support provided to late Dr. David James Hickman, Sr., during his illness by the following entities:
Ms. Tina & Taliyah Jones Ms. Christina Rowe Northside Hospital of Forsyth Southem Regional Health System
His Loving Family and Friends