William Hughel ‘Bill’ Hickman Jr.
William Hughel “Bill” Hickman Jr., 84, of Thorndale, Texas, returned to his heavenly home on September 15, 2023. He passed peacefully at Ascension Seton Williamson Hospital, surrounded by his loved ones. Visitation will be held Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor, Texas. Funeral service will be held on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Taylor Brethren Church followed by a burial at Taylor City Cemetery.
Bill was born on September 23, 1938 in Tanglewood, Texas to William Hughel Hickman Sr. and Mattie Joyce Curlee Hickman. He spent his childhood in Tanglewood, Angleton and Rosenberg. He graduated from Angleton High School in 1957. After graduating high school, he went to work for Dow Chemical for several years. In 1961 he joined the army and was honorably discharged after 6 years of service. He then attended Southwest Texas State University and graduated in 1971 with a Batchelor of Science in Industrial Arts. After graduating college he began his teaching career at Porter Jr High teaching drafting and metal shop.
On July 27, 1975 he married the love of his life, Carolyn Mae Cuba in Taylor, Texas.
Together they raised two sons, Curtis and Douglas. Throughout his life he enjoyed fishing trips to the coast, trips to Colorado, hunting, gardening, singing and dancing. He dedicated his life to his family. He was a member of the Taylor Brethren Church.
Bill was an excellent craftsman of many trades throughout his life. A giving and loving friend to those close. A man that had no patience for nonsense but a loving and kind heart. One of his frequent quotes was “ Don’t half ass it. Do it right or don’t do it at all.”
He loved to teach. He taught many subjects throughout the years including drafting, metal, carpentry and photography. During the 1980’s he and Carolyn (along with help from family and friends) built their home in Pflugerville.
During that time he started Hickman Custom Furniture. After doing that for several years he returned to teaching until his retirement.
He is preceded by his loving wife of 44 years, Carolyn Hickman, his parents, and his stepmother Bertha Hickman.
He is survived by his sons Curtis and wife Nikki, Douglas and wife Lindsay; 8 grandchildren, Analissa, Francesca, Layla, Maia, Mark, Haleigh, Jordan and Douglas Jr..
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donation be made in his honor to the Taylor Brethren Church, P.O.
Box 351, Taylor, Texas 76577 or to the Hus Encampment, 1304 T H Johnson, Taylor, Texas 76574.
