Johnnie Lee Hicks, Sr.

Johnnie Lee Hicks, Sr. affectionately known as “the Whopper” his CB handle departed this life at the age of 86 on Sunday April 21, 2024 in Osteopathic Hospital in Harrisburg, PA.   Johnnie was born on Sept 29, 1937, to the late Kate Hicks & Leroy Wright in Sumter SC.  He received his formal education in the Schools of Sumpter South Carolina.

He moved from Sumpter SC   to Brooklyn New York and was employed as a security guard.  He then relocated to Steelton Pennsylvania where he worked many jobs most notably with the Grey Hound Bus Company and CAT Transportation.  Ultimately, he found his passion – driving trucks.  He drove for Transcom Trucking Company and Consolidated Freight for over 25 years.

In his retirement years he performed numerous craftsman’s tasks and enjoyed part-time employment for Penske trucking.

During Johnnie’s leisure time he loved to travel and play golf. He was an active member of the Gator gang.  He also loved to skate at Hagy’s the local skating rink. Johnnie often reached out to family and friends all times of the day and night.  Johnnie loved spending time with family and friends and welcomed anyone who would play cards.  

Johnnie was united in holy matrimony to the late Josephine E. Chatman on Aug 16, 1966.  Johnnie’s twins Adrienne Warner, and Lorne Hicks were united with James Chatman, Georganna Hicks, Janice Hicks, Tracy Hicks, and Johnnie Hicks to form this beautiful family.

 Johnnie was a devoted member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, Usher, and a Craftsman for over 20 years.  Johnnie was a member of the Masonic Chosen Friends Lodge #43 and the Charles P. McClane Shrine Department #156 were enjoyed fellowshipping, marching, and traveling with the brothers.  He was also a member of the Teamsters and Chauffeurs Union and Central PA Health & Welfare Fund.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents the late Katie Hicks & Leroy Wright, his loving wife Josephine Hicks, his son James Chatman, Maternal Sister Cleo Dawson, Joann (Lucy) Sumpter, Paternal Sisters Linda Wright, Lula May Gillian, Ann Wright, Paternal brothers Leroy Wright Jr. Melvin Wright, and Michael Wright.  

Johnnie’s memories will be fondly cherished by his loving children four daughters Adrienne Warner (Linwood), Georganna Hicks, Tracy Hicks all of Harrisburg, Janice Hicks of Columbia Maryland, two sons Lorne Hicks (Sherry) and Johnnie Lee Hicks, Jr. (Michelle) of Harrisburg, and daughter-in-law Sherri Chatman of Harrisburg.  Six (6) sisters Sheila Wright, Geneva Burgain (Christian), Mary Vaughn (Richard), and Martha Johnson all of New York and Bernice Johnson of Harrisburg, and Lorraine Reed (Henry)  of Reading Pennsylvania.  Four (4) brothers Willie Hicks (Betty) of Middletown, PA, Eugene Hicks of Atlanta Georgia, Joseph Johnson (Geanette) of Missouri, and Larry Johnson of Kentucky, and an Uncle Joe Logan, 20 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Lovingly submitted by the Family