Wiley Johnson Hickman (1917 - 1984)

Born 27 Mar 1917 in Birmingham, Jefferson, Alabama, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Doris Nell (Glenn) Hickman — married 23 Nov 1935 in Birmingham, Jefferson, Alabama, United States

Descendants

Died 3 Jan 1984 at age 66 in Gadsden, Etowah, Alabama, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Crystal Hickman [send private message]

Biography

From: FindAGrave From findagrave: BURIAL Crestwood Memorial Cemetery East Gadsden, Etowah County, Alabama, USA

Hickman dies at 66 By JACKIE HARRIS Times Staff Writer Etowah County Probate Judge Wiley Hickman, the judge who was a giant in state and local politics, is dead at age 66. Dr. Harold Wells, spokesman for the Baptist Memorial Hospital, announced that Hickman died at 9:30 a.m. today in the intensive care unit; where he had been since Sunday noon. Prior to that time, Hickman had been in and out of hospitals undergoing treatment for an unspecified blood disorder. His death creates a huge gap in politics, since the popular judge was known to wield a great deal of influence not only on the local level, but also on the state and national level. For 18 years, Hickman was a member of the State Democratic Executive Committee, and was National Democrat Committeeman from 1981 through 1983. He was past president of the Alabama Judge of Probate Association and was active in promulgating the present Canons of Judicial Ethics. Hickman first started out as a state trooper, but in 1952, ran for probate judge, thus launching a career in public service that spanned three decades. Hickman was sworn into his 6th term of office Jan. 5 last year. This marked his 31st year in office. He held the distinction of serving in the office of probate judge longer than any other person ever elected to the post. He was the 10th probate judge in Etowah County's history. From 1952 until 1976, he was re-elected without opposition; however, in that election, he faced two opponents but won in a political avalanche — defeating his nearest opponent by three to one. He again encountered opposition in 1982. Hickman not only defeated his opponent by a wide margin but also received the highest number of votes cast in the election, drawing more votes than Gov. George Wallace and Lt. Gov. Bill Baxley in the county. His popularity also was evidenced by the frequency with which he was called upon to speak at local civic luncheons and affairs held throughout the state. His down-home humor and keen wit not only helped make him popular on the talk circuit, but also earned him the honor of being named State Grand Orator, Alabama Blue Lodge Masons, 1968. The judge was busy in the community, fraternal and church affairs, having taught the largest Bible class in the First Baptist Church for the past 24 years. The class is best known as "The Hickman Class." Hickman, of whom it was commonly said that he was of a family that was poor, never lost that rapport with the common man. He was the politician's politician, often seen "campaigning," shaking hands with anyone who neared his office at the courthouse, trying to keep in touch with the people who elected him to office.

In the biographical sketch on Hickman provided by his office, the first item listed him a "laborer". The fruits of his labor can be seen in the many changes the office of probate judge has undergone throughout his lengthy stint in office. That office closed briefly this morning, in homage to the passing of a man who left his mark on Etowah County. Survivors include his wife, Doris; a brother, Kelly Hickman, who lives in Jefferson County; son, David Hickman; daughter, Mrs. Margaret Hickman Freeman; son-in-law, Gary Freeman; two grandchildren, Gary Freeman Jr., and Mary Elizabeth Freeman. Gary Freeman, on behalf of the family, said, "The kind expressions of sympathy and the kindness shown have been overwhelming, and certainly are appreciated." The Gadsden Times; January 3, 1984 (submitted by Sam Hampton, Jr)

Sources

• https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/LR43-5G1