BOLIVIA — Aubrey G. Hickman, 90, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 24, 2018, surrounded by family and friends during his final days. Aubrey was born March 2, 1928, in Bolivia, N.C.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Genair and Cecil Lewis Hickman; wife of 64 years, Alice Thorpe; brother, Jerry Hickman; and sister, Eileen Hodge.
Aubrey is survived by his children, William Hickman (Mary), Jean H. Yates (Danny) and Joy Guin (Mark); grandchildren, Anthony Hickman, Tabitha Knight, Kimberly Carrillo and Chris Simmons; great-grandchildren, Cameron and Carly Knight and Daniel Carrillo; step-great-grandchildren, Christopher Simmons and Bridgett Fryer; sisters, Carla Randolph and Norma Henry; and special family friends, Freya Higgins Desbiolles and Cindy Higgins. He also leaves his beloved dogs, Rosie and Missy.
His law enforcement career spanned over 38 years as constable for Town Creek Township, ranger with the Forestry at Orton Plantation, deputy with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, patrolman and chief of Long Beach Police Department and police chief with the town of Yaupon Beach. He had stories of being shot, stabbed, robbers, floods, deaths, and even the Oak Island Bridge being knocked out. However, the situations that were closest to Mr. Hickman’s heart were the times that he had always tried to help people. No matter what their situation, he wanted to help them resolve their issues rather than arresting them. The extra effort he put in the people themselves paid more rewards for him. Several of those “offenders” came back many years later to locate Mr. Hickman and thank him.
After retirement on Jan. 1, 1994, he moved to Mill Creek and began farming again on the property he grew up on. Growing vegetables and flowers, selling them from the stand that he built. In the past several years, Aubrey began another adventure, working with honey bees and continued to do so until his passing.
In 2015, Mr. Aubrey Hickman received the North Carolina Long Leaf Order of the Pine. Honoring him for his many years of commitment to public service. He was also a lifetime member of the Brunswick County Fraternal Order of Police No. 053, Brunswick County Beekeepers Association and the North Carolina Beekeepers Association.
He will be truly missed for his smile, kindness to others, sharing with those who needed it, and the friendships he made through life. Mr. Aubrey helped a lot of people; from teenagers in Long Beach to families and friends who just needed to talk. We will all miss stopping by the stand, talking to him, getting honey and vegetables and buying the best collards around. He will forever be our “Collard Man” and our “Chief.”
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 7, at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 800 Cherrytree Road NE, Winnabow.
The family extends their sincere appreciation for the excellent care that had been given to Aubrey by the caregivers at Liberty Hospice of Supply. Memorial donations may be made to Liberty Hospice, P.O. Box 200, Supply, NC 28462; or an organization of your choice.
Share online condolences with the family at peacocknewnamwhite.com.
