Robert Eugene Hicks

Robert Eugene Hicks, beloved son, partner, brother, uncle, and friend to many, passed away at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, GA, on May 9, 2024, due to complications following heart surgery. He was 60 years old.

Robert was born at Emory Hospital, the third child and only son of James Robert Hicks, Jr., and Mary Ann Penn Hicks. Growing up in the Smoke Rise community of Tucker, GA, he attended Smoke Rise Elementary and Tucker High School before pursuing higher education at the University of Georgia where he was a proud member of the Red Coat Marching band, and Georgia State University where Robert earned both his BA and MBA degrees. He was also a Doctoral student in Industrial Organizational Psychology at the University of Tennessee.

In his professional life, Robert was an Information Systems programmer. After his initial entry into the field, he was employed at BellSouth. While there, his acquired expertise in PeopleSoft Human Resources software led him to a successful career as a PeopleSoft contractor, often upgrading and customizing the product to fit the specific wants and needs of client companies. Norrell, The City of Atlanta, Dekalb County, Holiday Inn/Intercontinental Hotels Group, Cox Enterprises, McKesson Corporation, and Georgia Power Company were among his contract clients.

Robert loved music – all kinds – and was a supporter of opportunities for musicians to learn and grow. He started playing the French Horn in sixth grade, and later studied with several renowned horn teachers including Skip Snead and Richard Deane of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. He played with the Rome Symphony, Dekalb Symphony, Savannah Symphony, Savannah Philharmonic, Georgia Philharmonic, Sandy Springs Chamber Orchestra, Dekalb Wind Symphony, Callanwolde Concert Band, Da Salo Solisti Chamber Orchestra, and others. Throughout his life, he generously volunteered his time and talent to play for many churches in the Atlanta area, too numerous to mention here. Robert was also an enthusiastic supporter of the Atlanta Symphony, Savannah Philharmonic, and Bach Ascending (Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Savannah, GA).

Robert was an avid “yardner,” and loved to tend to his yard and garden – both the hard work to achieve and the enjoyment of the results. He loved nothing better than to sit and observe nature – mountain views, ocean sunsets, cloud forms, and the sounds of rain while sitting on his screened porch. His affection for Shetland Sheepdogs was evident in his love for the furry companions he had throughout his life, including Candy, Victor, Misty, Chelsea, Barkley, and his beloved Trevor.

Robert is survived by his partner of 24 years, Philip Hawkins, his sisters Linda Gorka (Stan) and Lisa Patrick (Stan), nephews and nieces Brad Gorka (Yen), Erin Gorka Miller (Cody), Amanda Patrick Jung (Ned), Scott Patrick (Sonya), and 8 great-nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a circle of close friends including Rhett Barnwell, Kevin Little, and Dale Sterneman, as well as countless others who were touched by his kindness and generosity.

Robert’s memory will forever be cherished by all who knew him, and his impact on the world will continue to resonate through the lives he touched.

In honor of Robert’s passion for music, a musical excellence award has been established in his name. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made into the award fund to ensure that Robert’s legacy and love for music continue to inspire future generations of musicians to excellence.

The Robert Hicks Musical Excellence Award Fund

c/o Bach Ascending, Inc.

120 Bull Street

Savannah, Georgia 31401

Memorial Service Information:

Thursday, May 23rd – 2 PM

Morningside Presbyterian Church

1411 N. Morningside Dr.

Atlanta, GA 30306

404-876-7396

www.morningsidepc.org