of Sherwood, AR
June 24, 1933 - July 5, 2023
On July 5, 2023, at the age of ninety (90), CSM Stanley Dean Hicks (Ret.) passed from this world to a new duty station. Stanley Hicks was a good soldier, citizen, Methodist, carpenter, father, Papa and friend. He always treated every person like he or she was the most important person in the world.
For 43 years, CSM Hicks served in the Arkansas Army National Guard, beginning on March 6, 1950, as an Infantryman with Company B 1 Battalion, 153 Regiment, 39 Infantry st rd th Division in Malvern, Arkansas. He later took a civilian job at Camp Joseph T. Robinson in the Post Engineers as a carpenter before becoming a full time guardsman. He designed and built many of the buildings at Camp Robinson still in use today, including the state headquarters building. CSM Hicks was infantry to his core and often bragged about it. He rose through the ranks of the ARANG serving in many capacities including: Chief Operations Sergeant for the Emergency Operations Headquarters; State Command Sergeant Major from 1975-1978; Commandant of the Non-commissioned Officer's Academy from 1978-1985; Arkansas State Command Sergeant Major from 1985-1993. During his time in the military, he sought to promote training and education for soldiers and equal opportunities for all guardsmen. He was inducted into the Arkansas National Guard Enlisted Hall of Fame on June 2, 2022. While a member of the Guard, CSM Hicks' first federal deployment was at Little Rock Central High School and his final federal deployment was in Iraq during operation Desert Storm. Stanley Hicks described his job in the guard as ''Picking out good people, talking them into going to schools to get more training and then getting them to train others.'' Equal opportunities and fair treatment were very important to him as was physical fitness and running. CSM Hicks believed in leading by example and took hundreds of courses through the guard, generally making the highest grade in the class and ran hundreds of miles.
Stanley Hicks was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. While living in Malvern, he attended the Rockport United Methodist Church, where he helped install the beautiful curved chancel rail. While living in Camp Robinson, his family and he attended Amboy United Methodist Church and he later transferred to Sylvan Hills United Methodist Church. He served many leadership roles in those churches. One role of which he was particularly passionate was as a volunteer at the Amboy Food Pantry, helping families in need.
Stanley Hicks married the love of his life, Inez Marie Levisee Hicks in 1954 and the couple remained together until her death in 2011. Together, they had three daughters, Carrol Ann Hicks, Patricia Jan Hicks Madell and Cynthea Nan Hicks Shearin; grandchildren, Hobbs Edward Hicks Knowlton (Chloe), Daniel Ridling (Samantha), Kristen Maness, Elizabeth Marie Dulong Scott (Jimmy), Tiffany Pierskalla (Jan), Kris Knowlton (Victoria), Krystal Knowlton Lockhart, Kevin Knowlton and Kimberley Knowlton Taylor (CJ); great grand children, Arthur Dean Scott, Annabelle Marie Scott, Ronan Maness, Amanda Randall, Ava Knowlton, Macy Knowlton, Isaac Knowlton, Isabella Lockhart, Andrew Lockhart, Christian Lockhart, Tristan Knowlton, Clarissa Hope Price, Clarence Ross Price, Alicia Trujillo, Miguel Trujillo, Vicente Trujillo and Armando Trujillo; honorary daughters and granddaughters, Karen Thompson, Alex Furrow and Nicole Paladino and sisters, Nancy Hicks Cannon (Kelly), Mary Ann Hicks Francis, Janet Cameron and Sandra Ross. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and guardsmen.
The family will receive visitors at Roller-Owens Funeral Home located at 5509 J.F.K. Blvd. In North Little Rock, Arkansas, on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 from 6-8 P.M.
Funeral services will be held at the same location on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. with interment and military honors to follow at 12:00 noon at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 West Maryland, North Little Rock, Arkansas.
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20 Condolence(s)
Lesa Smith
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
I was introduced to CSM Stanley Hicks on the day I joined the AR ARNG! He always made you feel as if he cared about You and gave his professional advice. CSM Hicks was a true treasure to the AR ARNG! He is truly a genuine Jewel and elite serviceman that more than deserved every honor bestowed on him. I send my heartfelt sympathies and prayers to his Entire Family. CSM Hicks left behind a legacy and memory to us for a lifetime! GOD Bless Stanley and his family at this tragic time!
CPT Nicholas Franke (ret) mustang
Saturday, July 15, 2023
I knew CSM Hicks, he was a great guy. He related stories about integration of Central High, to me in late 1990s. He was the states top NCO for a reason. Real soldiers soldier. Always mentoring and teaching.
Has touched many lives and careers. his legacy will live on.
Rhonda Gaines Finn
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
A great man to work for. Very kind. My sincere condolences to his family.
Gregory Settles
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Command, sergeant, major Hicks what is the outstanding individual a great leader, and mentor. He inspired me to become a command, sergeant major, and following his footsteps he will be truly missed rest in peace, my friend.
Ricky T Ripper
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Growing up on Camp Robinson, we were all on big family, looking out for each other and playing together. Stanley Hicks was one of many people who I looked up to. He was always an honorable man, and Heavan is a brighter place because he is there. My condolences to Carol, Patrica, Cynthia and the rest of the family.
CHARLES Paul McDaniel
Sunday, July 9, 2023
As I grew upon Camp Robinson as a child and then forward into my military career, Stanley was a father figure, and afterwards a mentor as I went into the military… Always there to lead and guide, an open door with open ears… Always faithful always showing the way.. And now in Heaven getting new marching orders… Can’t wait to see him again.. Peace and comfort to all effected.. In Jesus Name Amen
Richard Green
Sunday, July 9, 2023
Command Sergeant Major Stanley Hicks was one of the most instrumental persons in my career, my life. His guidance of putting others before one’s self began from my early days in the National Guard. Sergeant Major Hicks was definitely one of the finest members to ever serve in the National Guard. Stanley continued receiving honors recently being inducted into the National Guard Enlisted Hall of Fame. May Our Command Sergeant Major Rest In Peace and the Lord give his Family and Friends comfort and understanding.
John 3:16, Revelation 21-4, Matthew 25:23
Burnie "Joe" Dunn
Sunday, July 9, 2023
I morn the loss of a GREAT person and solider. There are so many words that would describe Stanley and yet such limited space. There are many stories and experiences, and fun times I could share. He was not only my friend but my mentor.
We have lost a great person, friend, and leader, he will be missed and remembered so many.
Teresa
Sunday, July 9, 2023
My first day at work, he got Carrol into a conversation over using colored tablets.. then looked over with a big smile and asked if I could handle it😉. You could set your watch by him. He was a voice of encouragement, sharing his wisdom, experiences and love for people.
He brought out the best in everyone.
Prayers for peace and comfort. Until we meet again.
CHARLES Paul McDaniel
Sunday, July 9, 2023
As I grew upon Camp Robinson as a child and then forward into my military career, Stanley was a father figure, and afterwards a mentor as I went into the military… Always there to lead and guide, an open door with open ears… Always faithful always showing the way.. And now in Heaven getting new marching orders… Can’t wait to see him again.. Peace and comfort to all effected.. In Jesus Name Amen
CHARLES Paul McDaniel
Saturday, July 8, 2023
As I grew upon Camp Robinson as a child and then forward into my military career, Stanley was a father figure, and afterwards a mentor as I went into the military… Always there to lead and guide, an open door with open ears… Always faithful always showing the way.. And now in Heaven getting new marching orders… Can’t wait to see him again.. Peace and comfort to all effected.. In Jesus Name Amen
SSG (RET) DANIEL R MORALES
Saturday, July 8, 2023
A tremendous person and my State CSM. RIP my friend. Soldier like You just fade away. My condolences to the family. HooAh, Never Give Up
Larry Robinson
Saturday, July 8, 2023
So sorry about Stanley, I have wonderful memories of working with him at Camp Robinson and being neighbors with him and Marie.
Harrell Clendenin
Saturday, July 8, 2023
One of a kind. Truly led by example. Inspiration to countless young soldiers. A pleasure to have served with him. RIP Command Sergeant Major. 🫡
CHARLES Paul McDaniel
Saturday, July 8, 2023
As I grew upon Camp Robinson as a child and then forward into my military career, Stanley was a father figure, and afterwards a mentor as I went into the military… Always there to lead and guide, an open door with open ears… Always faithful always showing the way.. And now in Heaven getting new marching orders… Can’t wait to see him again.. Peace and comfort to all effected.. In Jesus Name Amen
CSM James L. Nowlin (ret.)
Saturday, July 8, 2023
The reason and motivation I had to become a CSM. Great man.
William Johnson
Saturday, July 8, 2023
I was saddened to hear of the passing of CSM Stanley Hicks. He was a great Soldier, mentor and friend. Condolences to the Hicks family.
Dennis and Karen Powell
Saturday, July 8, 2023
From all the members of 2nd Battalion 153rd Infantry Retiree group. CSM Hicks was a soft spoken genuine soldier. The earth has lost a great man, but heaven has gained a tremendous person.
Brenda Taylor
Friday, July 7, 2023
Carroll and family, so very sorry to hear about Stanley. Heaven must have needed another of the “good onesâ€! I know you will miss him terribly but I know one precious sassy redhead that is so happy to be with him again. May the good Lord hold you all in His hands, and comfort you. Love and prayers to you all.
Karen Susie Hastings
Friday, July 7, 2023
Stan and Marie Hicks were two of the favorite Camp Robinson friends of the Hastings family.Both of them such kind and caring people. Together again. Rest in peace.