Lawrence "Jack" Hicks

Lawrence Jackson “Jack” Hicks, 82, of Kernersville, North Carolina, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026.

He was born to the late Violet Henrietta Roland Hicks and Everette Preston Hicks on August 1, 1943.

Jack worked in the floor covering business for nearly 50 years. He owned Kernersville Carpets and Floor Covering, Inc. for almost 20 years and later continued working part-time with Pilot Floor Covering for more than 10 years. Jack truly loved his work and had hoped to return part-time once again.

Family meant everything to Jack. He loved deeply and worried constantly about those he cared for, always wanting everyone close by. He also had a special place in his heart for dogs, including Stanley, the family’s first miniature Dachshund, and especially Pepper, Chili, Reecie, and Brodie.

Jack was known for his generosity and kindness. He quietly helped those in need by buying clothing, making donations, and purchasing bicycles for children every Christmas. His joy came from giving. He loved NASCAR and local racing at Bowman Gray Stadium, and even drove a modified racecar there and at other tracks for a short time in the 1970s. He enjoyed playing golf with his buddies, watching classic television—especially Gunsmoke!—and cheering on NC State football and basketball. Jack also loved scratch off lottery tickets, convinced he would one day “win the big one” and buy a beach house for his family. In his later years, Jack found happiness in simple pleasures: trips to the Farmer’s Market, frying squash and okra, making cornbread and potato salad, and cooking collard greens for those he loved.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Judy Hicks and Vicky Hicks; his brother, Everette Preston (E.P.) Hicks Jr. (Linda); his son-in-law, Eddie Jonathan Deatherage; his brother-in-law, Dr. John S. Stewart (Susan); his niece, Andrea Ruth Stewart; and his nephew, Randall Everette Hicks.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Joan Ruth Garrett Hicks, whom he cherished deeply. Jack is also survived by his children, Larry Hicks Bailey, Joanna Haas (Ken), Michael Hicks (Vickie), Lauren Carlson (Matthew), and Brandon Hicks (Cydney). He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Corbin Hicks, Chandler Hicks, Chase Jackson Hicks, Jonathan Deatherage, Jalen Deatherage, and Avery Hicks.

Jack also leaves behind his brother, Daryl Hicks (Joann); his uncle, Jim Roland (Pat); sisters-in-law, Linda Hicks, Susan Stewart, and Ann Cole (Jim); and brothers-in-law, Charles Garrett (Mae) and Eddie Garrett (Dr. Amy). Jack is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, Dr. Jessie Stewart (Amish), Dr. Allie Mulligan (Justin), Alexa Miller (Dalton), Ella Ruth Garrett, Adam Garrett (Christy), Greyson Garrett, Terri Hicks Hazelton (Everette), Allison Elizabeth Hicks and Todd Jonas Hicks; great-niece, Sarah Mulligan; and great-nephews, Nathaniel Garrett, Nicholas Garrett, and Ryker Miller; along with many other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.

Jack will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Trellis Supportive Care for their compassionate care, with special thanks to Taylor and Jade.

A memorial service will be held at Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel on February 8, 2026 at 2:00PM. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC; the American Red Cross; the Salvation Army; any animal rescue organization; or a charity of one’s choice.