William Jeremiah (Jerry) "Coach" Hicks

William Jeremiah (Jerry) "Coach" Hicks, 84, of Marion, passed away at his residence on the morning of Sunday, September 13, 2026.

Jerry was born in Cabarrus County, NC on March 2, 1942 to the late Thurman Hicks and Lenora Deese Hicks. He is also preceded in death by brothers, 

Bob Hicks and Mickey Hicks. He played baseball at Wingate Jr. College and Western Carolina University. He was an educator and coach in McDowell County for over 35 years. Jerry coached all three major sports and served as Athletic Director for East McDowell. He was a very active athlete who was an avid golfer,  a longtime member of Marion Lake Club and  Brooks Auto men's softball team. He  started the first men's basketball league in the county. Jerry loved going to Dollywood and listening to Southern Gospel Music. He loved going to the beach with his family. Jerry was a member of the First Baptist Church in Marion.

Surviving Jerry, are his wife of almost 59 years, Judy Byrd Hicks; his two children, Leesa Robinson and Jason Hicks (Wendy); his two grandchildren, Riley Robinson (fiancé William Ward) and Isaac Robinson along with a number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to honor Coach Hicks will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 3:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Marion. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 3:00 prior to the service at the church.