HUDSON FALLS – Charles C. “Roach” Hicks, Sr., 66, of Quarry Crossing, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 30, 2013, at his home.
Born November 7, 1946 in Lebanon, New Hampshire, he was the son of the late William and Grace (Stimets) Hicks.
He graduated from Hanover, New Hampshire High School and continued his education at Castleton State College in Vermont and then attended Adirondack Community College. While attending Castleton State College, Charles met his future wife, Nancy Chickering. They were married on June 6, 1970 in Bradford, Vermont.
Charles will be best remembered for his service to his country. He enlisted on February 1966 Airborne, Infantry, Vietnam. Charles went to Basic, A.I.T, Jump School and then to the 173rd, as a P.F.C.. He arrived R.V.N. on September 6, 1966. Charles was sent to T.D.Y. to Cam Rahn Bay for 30 or so days. He was held at Brigade Headquarters Co. A. Admin as a P.X. clerk for awhile, until finally he got his wish to go to B Co. 1/503 where he served with the 1st Platoon and Co. Headquarters as Forward Supply. Charles was wounded March 11, 1967. He initiated the action in defense on their perimeter of an estimated battalion of N.V. Regulars. After he was hospitalized, he returned to B 1/503 and Doc to from June 1966 to September 1967. He was then reassigned to the 82nd 3rd Brigade and deployed with them in 1968 back to Nam. Finally in January 1969 he was discharge with no interest in reenlistment.
He had many jobs and traveled most of the U.S.A.. He was a patch holder of “The Jury Motorcycle Club” for over 25 years. He was employed by the N.Y.S Department of Corrections at Great Meadows Correctional Facility as a clerk. At one time he owned and operated a propane gas company, Action Gasers, in Argyle. Charles was hard loving, fast living, and dauntless defender of integrity. He obtained two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star with “V” and NO Good Conduct Medal!
Charles belonged to several organizations, which included the following; Disabled American Veterans, Hudson Falls American Legion Post 574, Glens Falls VFW, Vietnam Veterans of American, Military Order of Purple Heart, 173rd Airborne Brigade Association, 82nd Airborne Division Association, Combat Infantryman’s Association, and The Jury Motorcycle Club.
Survivors include his tolerant and loving wife of 43 years, Nancy (Chickering) Hicks of Hudson Falls; his children, Crystal Hay and her husband, Dean, of Pennsylvania, Heidi McCauliffe and her husband, Jason, of Salem, Charles C. Hicks Jr. and his wife, Huimin, of Loudenville and Robert B. Hicks and his wife, Robin, of Queensbury; his grandchildren, Caleb and Gabriel Hay, Sarah, Kayla, and Jenna McCauliffe, and Clark Hicks; his brother, William Hicks and his wife, Dianna, of Panama; his sisters, Linda Simbartl and her husband, Karel, of Ohio, Susan Leonard of Florida; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Our gratitude goes out to his longtime helper and housemate of 15 years, Erin Powell.
Friends and family may call on Thursday, October 3, 2013, from 2p.m. to 4p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Carleton Funeral Home Inc., 68 Main Street, Hudson Falls.
Funeral Services will be conducted on Friday, October 4, 2013, 11a.m., at Carleton Funeral Home Inc., with the Rev. Randy Gross, pastor of New Beginnings Church, officiating.
Burial will follow at North Argyle Cemetery with full military honors, provided by the Hudson Falls American Legion Post 574.
Donations in memory of Charles can be made to Samuel S. Straton, VA Medical Center, Volunteer Services, 113 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208, Adirondack Vets House Inc., 26 Pine Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801, or Cornerstone Soup Kitchen, 293 1/2 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839