Wayman Lowell Hicks

Wayman Lowell Hicks passed away peacefully on the morning of October 5th, 2024 due to natural causes at the age of 85 in Little Rock, Arkansas. 

Wayman was born to Troy and Marguerite Hicks in North Little Rock on March 4th, 1939. Playfully, Wayman reminded family and friends that his birthday was the command to “march forth”. He graduated from North Little Rock High School.

Wayman married Betty Evelyn (Watkins) Hicks on April 4, 1968. Through 56 years of marriage, Wayman and Betty raised four children, John, David, Holly and Jennifer, and particularly enjoyed visits by his grandchildren Ava, Logan, Asher, Ethan, Evelyn, Gideon, Clara Mae and Ruby.

Wayman maintained a long career with Cotton Belt / Union Pacific Railroad. He provided for his family by serving as a switchman, brakeman, and eventually a locomotive train engineer before his eventual retirement. Wayman was an avid fisherman and hunter. He took great interest in his children’s activities, commonly using his work leave time to attend practices and games.

Wayman prided himself in his culinary pursuits. You commonly found him crafting an hours-long roux for his gumbo on game day, or whipping up a sweet potato pie for Thanksgiving. He smoked meats, was picky about his chili, and no one else’s buttermilk cornbread passed muster. 

Wayman was preceded in death by his father, Troy Hicks, mother, Marguerite Hicks, and brother Troy Hicks, JR. He is survived by his wife, Betty Hicks, children: John Hicks, David Hicks (wife, Jennifer), Holly Peppers (husband, Ki), and Jennifer Hicks (husband, Gabe Salazar); grandchildren: Ava Hicks, Logan Hicks, Asher Hicks, Ethan Hicks, Evelyn Peppers, Gideon Peppers, Clara Mae Salazar and Ruby Salazar; sisters Cathy Erickson (husband, Ron), and Sandi Chase (special friend, Jim Rowe), and many beloved nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Brian Watkins, Logan Hicks, Asher Hicks, Ethan Hicks, David Hicks and John Hicks.

Wayman’s family will host a family visitation at Smith Funeral Home in North Little Rock on October 9, 2024 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, and the memorial service will be at Salem Cemetery in East End, Arkansas on October 10, 2024 at 1:00pm.

 In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to Salem Cemetery, 20621 Arch St., Little Rock, AR, 72206.