Mr. Donald Ray Hicks, Sr. 75, of 503 Millsap Rd. Shelby NC passed away on Sunday February 16, 2020 at Wendover Hospice House in Shelby. He was born in Kannapolis, NC on December 18, 1944 to the late Mabel Miller Hicks.

He was married on January 8, 1967 to the love of his life, Naomi C. Hicks for 44 years until her departure.

Donald was a graduate of Carver High School in Kannapolis, NC. A hard-working man, he was retired from Barnhardt Upholstery and also retired from Cleveland County Schools where he was a custodian. Donald lived a humble life supporting family, friends and many others. He enjoyed his truck, watching ESPN and landscaping his yard.

Donald was a devoted member of Ellis Chapel Baptist Church. He served faithfully as a Trustee, Steward, member of the Ellis Chapel Transportation Committee where he served as a van driver and he also sang on the All Male Choir.

In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his dearly devoted wife, Naomi Cumberlander Hicks and a brother, Mack Hicks.

Donald is survived by two sons, Donald Ray Hicks, Jr. of Atlanta, GA and Orenthal James “O.J.” Hicks of Shelby, NC; two sisters, Joanne Willis of Kannapolis, NC and Jackie Neal of Salisbury, NC; four grandchildren, MaKayla Hicks of Buffalo, NY, Keyonia Hicks of Shelby, NC, Christian Hicks and Kristiana Hicks both of Memphis, TN and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 11:30 AM at Ellis Chapel Baptist Church in Patterson Springs, NC. Burial will take place at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until 11:30 AM at the church.